Pokies developers find themselves …

By Melissa Meehan
A PROPOSAL to bring 60 poker machines to Beaconsfield has been blocked by councillors who say there are enough pokies in Cardinia Shire.
The controversial proposal, known to many as the Pink Hill project, was refused at Monday night’s council meeting after the council received 120 objections from residents.
Councillor Brett Owen spoke against the proposal, saying that although there was concern about the number of pokies in the shire, there were also a lot of planning issues with the venue.
“There is a shortfall of 303 car parking spaces,” Cr Owen said, “not to mention access to the proposed hotel being a real concern with VicRoads refusing (access from) old Princes Highway and May Road.”
But he said the main concern for residents was adding to the 225 poker machines already in Cardinia.
“The State Government has capped us (Cardinia) at 458,” he said, “which means the shire could find another 180 odd pokies, according to them. But the community does not want any more.”
Cr Owen said the Romsey Hotel decision, a landmark case that saw VCAT rule against allowing 30 machines into a small community town making it easier for communities fighting to stop gaming machines being introduced in their towns and suburbs, proved that community opinions must be considered.
Cr Collin Ross echoed his colleague’s sentiment.
“Reading through the objections, I heavily noted the Romsey decision and how it took community concerns into account,” he said.
“But the objections weren’t just about the pokies, it included things like the proposal being in an inappropriate location, detrimental impacts on amenity of residents, increased traffic and an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour to name just a few.”
He said there was already a “sufficient amount in the Central Ward” and that residents would have no problem “driving five minutes down the road in any direction” to find a venue with the pokies.
Cr Bill Pearson said the government’s cap on Cardinia, which meant 180 more machines could be brought into the shire, was “terrifying” and the “laws are an abomination”.
“I’d like to say this for the residents, this is not us as a shire beating the gaming policy,” he said.
“In this instance the applicant has been far too greedy and we are lucky that we have the support of VicRoads.”
Councillors unanimously voted to refuse the permit, but Cr Owen noted that the decision was probably not the final hurdle, with the applicants able to take the matter to VCAT.
The Gazette was unable to contact the applicant, DSL Securities Pty Ltd, by time of print.