Mount Alexander Shire has deferred a decision on planning permits for the Maryborough Highland Society’s new gaming venue until February 26.
At a packed council meeting last night, councillors asked for more time to consider a report tabled by council staff that recommended the proposal be knocked back.
Mayor Michael Redden said council would consider in greater detail aspects of the report such as how the venue would impact on residential amenities like parking.
He said more than 200 people attended the meeting, with the majority of the crowd unhappy with the deferred decision.
The shire received 544 written objections against the planning application and 22 submissions in support. In a long-running legal battle against the approval of 65 gaming licences, the shire has spent close to $200,000 in an appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
VCAT’s decision on the gaming licenses is expected to be handed down as early as tomorrow.
