Murrindindi Shire seeks public submissions to gaming machines guidelines, inviting community comment by June 11.
Land Use Planning Councillor Margaret Rae seeks to adopt guidelines already in place following a review of Council’s Gaming Policy.
“The previous Council considered this issue in October 2015 and adopted the guidelines at that time.
“The next step for us is to make an amendment to the Planning Scheme so that we can incorporate this change formally into the Murrindindi Shire Planning Scheme. Council’s Planning Scheme is the document which guides use and development of land within the Shire,” Rae said.
After considering public submissions council may adopt Amendment C62, Council having a formal framework to guide decision-making about future proposals from businesses wanting to introduce or expand the number of electronic gaming machines.
“The proposed amendment to Council’s Planning Scheme enables Council to consider applications for gaming machines in a way which is consistent with State Government requirements.
“But it also aims to ensure consideration of social and economic implications and minimise possible harm and amenity impacts arising from installation of gaming machines. It will give Council the tool to guide the careful and sensitive management of gaming applications into the future”, Cr Rae added.
“There are already a number of safeguards in place which control where gaming machines can be located. Gaming is already prohibited in strip shopping centres across the Shire under the current Murrindindi Planning Scheme and a planning permit is required to install or use gaming machines in all other areas”, said Cr Rae.
“In addition, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation caps the maximum number of gaming machines allowed in any single municipality. The Commission enforces this and all other gaming standards with strict licensing.
“The proposed Amendment provides important guidelines for Council in deciding which locations might be appropriate for installing gaming machines – and which are not. For example, it would discourage installation of gaming machines in areas adjacent to strip shopping centres, where gaming is already prohibited.
Amendment C62 is on public exhibition at all Council offices and available for viewing on Council’s website (murrindindi.vic.gov.au) until June 11, 2018.
