Mr Parkinson’s comments follow the decision by City of Greater Bendigo councillors to not support a petition signed by 525 people calling for a halt on poker machine increases.

Mayor Rod Fyffe used his casting vote on Wednesday night to not support the petition, which was produced by faith-based groups St Luke’s, The Salvation Army, CentaCare, Uniting Care and BaptistCare.

Mr Parkinson said he was surprised by the council’s reaction, and disappointed.

“The whole idea was to get the council to ask the people of Bendigo if they want more gaming machines,” he said.

He said the council’s decision to be neutral on the Kangaroo Flat Sports Club’s application for 12 more poker machines was more than a planning issue.

“They have surveyed 500 metres around the club,” he said. “We know the area that will be affected is 5km and we know it is a low socio-

economic area.

“This goes way past planning issues. We need the council and the community to stand up and say ‘no more’.

“There is nothing neutral about the Kangaroo Flat decision. But we will push forward.”

Cr Fyffe said on Wednesday night that the council needed to acknowledge the petition, but poker machines were legal and the council was complying with the law.

“The fact that the state government has said there can be more in here is something I find very difficult. I certainly think we have more than enough,” he said.

Editorial – Page 10