UPDATE 2.30pm: The Alliance for Gambling Reform has urged the Bendigo Stadium board not to appeal the decision of the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.

“The City of Greater Bendigo is an important landlord for Bendigo Stadium and the board should respect its opposition to this application by accepting the umpire’s decision and not proceeding with an appeal,” campaign manager Kelvin Thomson said. 

At its June meeting, the Bendigo council voted not to support the stadium’s application to install the poker machines.

A report, published as part of the council meeting agenda, highlighted concerns about “significantly negative” social and economic impacts associated with the proposal.

“There is strong community opposition to more poker machines in Bendigo and chairman Brendon Goddard should respect this and stop promoting the spread of more dangerous and addictive poker machines in the Bendigo community,” Mr Thomson said on Monday. 

“We don’t want to see the more than $9 million which went into Bendigo Stadium owned poker machines last year increase even further.”

His comments came after the Bendigo Stadium board released a statement indicating it was “quite likely” to bring its application to redevelop The Wellington hotel, a proposal which includes 44 new poker machines, before VCAT. 

However, the board was still considering its options, chair Brendon Goddard said.

“We have until September 15 to lodge an appeal so the board will take the time available to thoroughly review our previous application and ensure that any action we take is in the best interests of our existing community clubs and the Wellington Hotel,” Mr Goddard said.

EARLIER: BENDIGO Stadium is considering bringing its application to redevelop The Wellington hotel in White Hills, a proposal which includes 44 new poker machines, before VCAT. 

Bendigo Stadium board chair Brendon Goddard said the matter was “quite likely” to go down that path.

“But we have until September 15 to lodge an appeal so the board will take the time available to thoroughly review our previous application and ensure that any action we take is in the best interests of our existing community clubs and the Wellington Hotel,” Mr Goddard said.

The board is reviewing its application process after the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation denied its application. 

“It is disappointing that our application was not approved by VCGLR,” Mr Goddard said.

“The board has the recourse to take this matter to VCAT and is now considering whether that option is the best one to take.”

In its decision, the VCGLR assessed the likely benefits of the proposed redevelopment.

It noted a negative community attitude to the application as part of its observations. 

- with Chris Pedler