MOUNT Alexander Shire mayor Janet Cropley has slammed the state government for failing to listen to regional communities.
Her comments came after the state’s gaming regulator approved an application to bring 65 new poker machines to Castlemaine.
The council and broader community had opposed the Maryborough Highland Society’s application for a gaming venue in an old railway shed.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation made the decision on Friday after receiving 574 submissions and two days of hearings last month.
“We have our feet on the ground, but we get used appallingly by the state government,” Cr Cropley said.
“It is just appalling that this council has done all the work to reflect the community’s wishes in the planning scheme and this happens.
“It is just incredibly sad that our state government is so dependant on gaming revenue. You don’t have to be, look at Western Australia.”
Cr Cropley said Mount Alexander Shire councillors would have a briefing session later this week.
She said councillors would have to consider the cost of appealing the decision to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The council spent about $80,000 preparing its submission for the VCGR. A survey in November found three-quarters of respondents were against the Castlemaine pokies development.
Enough Pokies in Castlemaine’s David Stretch said the decision was devastating for his town.
He said EPIC members would meet late yesterday afternoon and with council staff today.
Mr Stretch vowed his group would keep fighting and urged the council to take the matter to VCAT.
Cr Cropley disputed the Maryborough Highland Society forecasts that the new machines would only generate $1 million annually.
The shire’s 30 machines last year swallowed $3.4 million.
“Our report says there will be no economic benefit for the shire,” Cr Cropley said.
“Gaming venues employ very few people and the management will not be here – it will be in Maryborough.
“Only $30,000 will come into this community and that can include the cost of flowers in the facility’s foyer.
“They don’t need more money to run wonderful events like the Highland Games and pipe bands.”
The council has 28 days, as of last Friday, to lodge an appeal.
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