EVEN those who are not the gambling kind can bet on one thing safely – the issue of pokies rouses great passion in this community.
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The council says it is doing everything that it can, within state government legislation, to protect the vulnerable in the community.
Until this week, it has charged higher rates to venues with gaming machines. However, the state government has introduced new guidelines banning differential rates.
But in a controversial move, on Wednesday night council moved to open up the central business district, including Bridge Mall, to poker machine venues.
University of Ballarat gambling researcher Deborah Greenslade said the council talked tough but its actions appeared to be soft on gambling.
Ms Greenslade said the council’s policy on clustering Electronic Gaming Machines in the CBD was particularly flawed.
“To date 18 councils have undertaken to develop a gambling policy,” she said.
“Nine of them seek to restrict venues in disadvantaged areas but none do it by preferencing their CBD.
“Quite the opposite; there are multiple references to reducing access by not allowing pokies near shops, main transport routes, in core retail areas or activity centres.”
Anti-pokies lobby group PokeAct.org founder Paul Bendat spoke at the council’s Wednesday night meeting.
He also opposed the council’s bid to exempt Ballarat’s CBD from planning legislation prohibiting poker machines in areas defined as “strip shopping centres”.
In his submission, Mr Bendat said the amendment confirmed his views the council was actively encouraging gambling among residents.
“The council promotes impulsive and convenience gambling,” Mr Bendat said.
However, City of Ballarat People and Communities Councillor Des Hudson has rejected both claims.
“There is no councillor sitting around the table who doesn’t have concern to minimise the impact of gaming on problem gamblers,” Cr Hudson said.
“I think council is trying to find a manageable way to deal with planning applications for gaming machines.
“For all those who spoke against the amendment it would be nice to get a view of where they would see an alternative location which also has a harm minimisation strategy behind it.”
Cr Hudson also countered arguments that putting gaming machines in the CBD would affect other recreational activities in the area.
“I think people who may be problem gamblers will seek out gambling machines and I think people who are motivated to go and shop and do their everyday shopping will do that.
“There are already gaming machines located in some premises.”
neelima.choahan@fairfaxmedia.com.au