The council lost an appeal against the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation, with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal moving to support the installation of new gaming machines.

The City’s planning and development director Prue Mansfield said the council were disappointed with the result and would look at its options, including to see if it had grounds for an appeal to the Supreme Court.

“This is the first time our policy has been tested,” she said.

“Our policy is to make gaming machines accessible but not convenient.”

In March last year the council surveyed more than 700 residents within 500 metres of the Foundry complex and found 74 per cent were opposed to the machines.

The final decision comes after a VCAT hearing in February this year.

Ms Mansfield said the council had also opposed planning permits for expansion of the hotel.

“It wasn’t just about the gaming machines,” she said.

“To get the permit a poor design had to be substantially changed.

“It also sought to waiver 22 car parking spaces, but with this VCAT decision it is now not required to provide those.”

Foundry Complex owner Mike Kuchel was yesterday unavailable for comment but had previously told the Bendigo Advertiser the application was socially responsible.

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