Monash Tired of Finishing First
1 November 2007
Monash City Council is strengthening its policy on gambling in an effort to tackle a record of eight consecutive years as the municipality with the highest gambling machine losses in the State.
Since the proliferation of pokies in the early 1990s, Council has become increasingly aware of the community's concern about the detrimental impact these gaming machines can have on problem gamblers.
There are 1,185 electronic gaming machines in 16 venues throughout Monash, each taking approximately $108,592 per year after player pay-outs.
Monash Mayor Tom Morrissey said he is particularly concerned about the location and density of these machines in vulnerable socially and economically disadvantaged areas.
Cr Morrissey said Council would hold its position of not supporting any proposal for electronic gaming machines on Council owned or managed land.
"One of the additional policy objectives is ensuring that the social and economic impact of poker machines are properly considered when assessing proposals," he said.
"We will also continue to advocate for a reduction in machines across the municipality as well as readily available support services for problem gamblers."
The Monash Responsible Gaming Taskforceprovided consultation on the new draft Monash Gambling Policy, which is open for public comment until 20 November.
For more information please contact Kerryn Jansons, Community Development Officer on 9518 3214 or kerrynj@Monash.vic.gov.au
Updated: 21 November 2007
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