By LAURA WAKELY
POKIES venues are being hit with a gaming rate double that of other commercial properties in an effort to respond to Brimbank’s gambling issues.
Brimbank City Council introduced the charge in this year’s 2012-2013 draft budget, which was presented at a council meeting last week.
The added charge will apply to at least 12 of Brimbank’s 15 gaming machine venues, which have already pulled $97 million from the pockets of residents this year.
Chair of Administrators Peter Lewinsky said council wanted to send a strong message to the gaming industry.
“A lot of people use, ‘oh we’re a sporting club, oh we’re there for the benefit of the community, oh we’re putting all this great infrastructure into the community’, but they’re not,” Mr Lewinsky said.
“If you build a ground out the back you don’t throw the gates open on the weekend, no you’ve got to sign the book, you’ve got to come in and apply to the manager to pay. They are not for community use, they are private clubs.”
The budget proposes an average rate rise of 4.5 per cent for residents and 4.9 per cent for commercial and industrial properties.
The budget contains a $43.7 million capital works program, which includes $20.1m for roads, $8.6m for open space and $7.5 for facilities.
Among the big ticket items is $1.75m for the first stage of the Keilor Basketball and Netball Stadium, which will include three additional courts and an upgrade of toilets and changerooms.
A total of $800,000 will be spent on Errington Reserve, including improvements to the playground, pathways, landscape and outdoor furniture.
Dempster Park Reserve will receive a $1m pavilion refurbishment, $1.1 million will extend the Kororoit Creek Trail to the Western Highway and Watergardens Community Hub project will receive $300,000 for a fit out.
CEO Nick Foa said council had halved the municipal charge to $57.74 to “soften the blow” of rising property values.
“One of the levers that this council can’t pull as readily as other councils is fees and charges and rates,” Mr Foa said.
“We have a community with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage.”
The council has also introduced an 80 litre bin, which carries an environmental charge of $204.73 compared to the $462.20 charge for a 240 litre bin.
Mr Foa said the budget is one of “consolidation”, which builds on the growth of the past three years and is forecast to create a $12.3m surplus.
The 2012-2013 draft budget can be found at council customer service centres, libraries, and www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
