By Kristy McDonald
SURRENDER and not agreement, may be the best description of Melton Shire Council’s support of 80 gaming machines for the proposed Caroline Springs Hotel.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling regulation advised council last week that it had granted the multi-million dollar gaming machine licence to the Hawthorn Football club.
This is believed to be the biggest licence awarded in Victoria in seven years.
A councillor and a local youth worker, Les Twentyman, have both indicated that council conceded to the licence for reasons other than benefit to the community, an allegation refuted by the chief executive.
Melton Shire Council CEO, Neville Smith, said in the consultation process preceding the licence, the council had carefully considered all aspects of the issue.
“We established that as far as socio-economic impact goes; the benefits outweighed the dis-benefits,” Mr Smith said.
Melton Shire Council mayor, Cr Bruce Rowan agreed with Mr Smith’s comments. Describing the new establishment as a significant entertainment and recreation facility, Cr Rowan said it provided employment opportunities for shire residents in both construction and hospitality.
The council negotiated a $155,000 per year contribution from the venue to the municipality over 10 years, of which $35,000 per year will go towards the provision of a problem gambling/financial counsellor, to be employed by council.
But Cr Garry Stock has indicated that council conceded to the gaming application, so it could be guaranteed to have input into planning for problem gambling issues that may arise.
He said council was given an indication that the hotel would not go ahead, without a gaming area.
“I put my hand up to say yes, primarily because at that time, VCAT had always passed planning permits,” Cr Stock said.
“We wouldn’t have had this process or the opportunity to maximise mitigation processes for problem gambling.
“Now we have been able to put in place a situation where we could provide additional resources to assist the community.”
