Councillors and council staff met legal representatives yesterday afternoon to discuss the next step they would take in response to the approval of new poker machines.

Mayor Janet Cropley said the council was considering appealing to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

“We have the option of pursuing it further,” she said.

“We’ve met with community groups, including Enough Pokies In Castlemaine, and they’re

pretty clear about where they’re at.”

Cr Cropley said the Maryborough Highland’s Society plan for 65 new machines in a railway shed development was opposed by the majority of the community.

But she said it would be difficult to gain ongoing support to continue a legal battle.

“At this stage it looks like the votes will be split between councillors,” she said.

“We didn’t have a unanimous vote on the last challenge so it might be very difficult to get more support. Without an enormous expenditure, we need to be clear that our legal people have grounds for appeal.”

The council will meet next Tuesday to decide whether it will appeal to VCAT.