Murrindindi Shire Council is seeking public input about formalising its guideline on gaming.

A media release issued on Friday (May 11) said:

Murrindindi Shire Council is calling for public submissions on a proposed amendment that would formalise Council’s guidelines governing gaming machines within the Murrindindi Shire Planning Scheme.

Murrindindi Shire Council’s Land Use Planning Portfolio Councillor Margaret Rae said the proposed Amendment C62 sought to adopt formally the guidelines already in place following a review of Council’s Gaming Policy.

“The previous Council considered this issue in October 2015 and adopted the guidelines at that time. The next step for us is to make an amendment to the Planning Scheme so that we can incorporate this change formally into the Murrindindi Shire Planning Scheme. Council’s Planning Scheme is the document which guides use and development of land within the Shire.

“The proposed amendment to Council’s Planning Scheme enables Council to consider applications for gaming machines in a way which is consistent with State Government requirements. But it also aims to ensure consideration of social and economic implications and minimise possible harm and amenity impacts arising from installation of gaming machines. It will give Council the tool to guide the careful and sensitive management of gaming applications into the future”, Cr Rae added.

If, after considering public submissions, Council adopts Amendment C62, Council will then have a formal framework to guide decision-making about future proposals from businesses wanting to introduce or expand the number of electronic gaming machines they have.

“There are already a number of safeguards in place which control where gaming machines can be located. Gaming is already prohibited in strip shopping centres across the Shire under the current Murrindindi Planning Scheme and a planning permit is required to install or use gaming machines in all other areas”, said Cr Rae.

“In addition, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation caps the maximum number of gaming machines allowed in any single municipality. The Commission enforces this and all other gaming standards with strict licensing.

“The proposed Amendment provides important guidelines for Council in deciding which locations might be appropriate for installing gaming machines – and which are not. For example, it would discourage installation of gaming machines in areas adjacent to strip shopping centres, where gaming is already prohibited.

Council invites the community to comment on Amendment C62 to the Murrindindi Planning Scheme by June 11, 2018. Amendment C62 is on public exhibition at all Council offices and available for viewing on Council’s website (murrindindi.vic.gov.au) until June 11, 2018. Written submissions about Amendment C62 can be made to Murrindindi Shire Council at PO Box 138, Alexandra, 3714 or by email to planning@murrindindi.vic.gov.au For further information, please ring Council on 5772 0333