BALLARAT City Council is to be applauded for the strength of its decision this week in relation to gaming machines.
Earlier in the week the majority of councillors indicated their intention to take the opportunity to reduce the number of machines and they acted accordingly when it came to the vote.
They did so in the face of some strong opposing arguments.
Sebastapol Bowling Club chairman Bill Gorman said gaming machines had brought the club out of the financial doldrums in the 1990s and had contributed to more than $92,000 dispersed in the community last year.
The club wanted an additional five machines.
Ballarat Golf Club, which was seeking 10 machines, informed council the move would be sensible because it would contribute to the establishment of what would become a world-class golf course and clubhouse.
In both cases the machines would be a relocation from within the city, rather than additions to those already in place.
But the council appears to have taken more than a simple decision to oppose these two applications.
It has begun a move to reduce the number of machines in the city when opportunities to do so arise.
Ballarat has more than enough machines and the council is taking an important stand in the interests of the wider community.
Drive safely as you enjoy the rainfall
THE rainfall across the region is a welcome relief from the prolonged dry spell and will delight the rural community in particular.
With it, however, comes a treacherous time on regional roads after the water mixes with other substances that have built up on the roads during the dry period.
It is essential that drivers take it extremely easy on the wet roads by, in particular, avoiding high speeds.
Tread on tyres should also be checked to ensure there is less likelihood of vehicles slipping on wet roads.
Wet roads after a long dry spell can be lethal.