Mount Alexander Shire will continue its fight against plans for 65 new poker machines in Castlemaine despite claims it is spending too much on legal costs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Councillors voted at last night’s council meeting to go ahead with its appeal in the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal against the Maryborough Highland Society’s proposal for a new gaming venue at a disused railway shed.
At a packed meeting at Baringhup town hall, a motion to abandon the VCAT appeal was defeated five votes to two.
The motion was raised by newly elected councillor Tony Bell, who said the shire needed the new venue and that ratepayers should be given a choice about whether or not they gambled on pokies.
The shire has spent close to $200,000 so far this year in legal costs as part of its VCAT appeal.
Councillor Jessica Howard said it was important the council maintained its position against poker machines, which were widely opposed by members of the community.
Members of community group Enough Pokies in Castlemaine – which has backed the shire’s appeal in VCAT – made appeals to councillors to ensure the community’s disapproval was heard.
EPIC president David Stretch said more than two-thirds of people in the shire did not want the poker machines.
He told council it would be financially irresponsible to abandon the appeal after already having spent thousands of dollars.
“To withdraw at the 11th hour and deny the community its opportunity to have this issue decided upon by an independent arbitrator is something we wouldn’t want to consider,” he said.
Representatives from the Castlemaine Sports and Community Club claimed the costs spent by the council were “extravagant” and didn’t take into account their views.
“It’s an absolute waste of money,” club spokesman Bill Jefferies said. Maryborough Highland Society general manager Malcolm Blandthorn said the club was still confident it would have its gaming applications approved by VCAT.
But Mr Blandthorn said he would consider compromising with the shire about the amount of poker machines at the new venue.
“We would be happy to come to any type of arrangement that suits the club and the council. If we can find some common ground.
“The previous council weren’t too interested. But with a new council, we’ve got new hopes.”
The VCAT appeal restarts on December 10.?
