Gambling Venues Policy

Council is gathering feedback from the community on the Draft Gambling Venues Policy.

Following on from earlier community engagement and consideration of a Social Impact Assessment Council is now seeking feedback from the community on its Draft Gambling Venues Policy, which sets out where and how venues can operate electronic gaming machines (pokies) and where standalone TAB venues can be located.

Following a review of the current policy, Council considered three options:

1. Keeping the status quo

2. Introducing restrictions on the number of gaming venues and machines, along with new location criteria and a cap on the number of machines per venue

3. Implementing a sinking lid approach which would gradually reduce the number of machines and venues over time

After reviewing community and stakeholder feedback, the social impact assessment, and other key factors, the Council has chosen Option 2 as its preferred policy option. The draft policy includes the following restrictions:

• Cap the number of gaming venues and machines at current levels

• Limit each venue to a maximum of nine machines

• Ensure venues, including standalone TAB venues, are located more than 50 metres from community facilities

The draft policy keeps the requirement for any future applications for new venues or additional gaming machines to be publicly notified. This allows the community to make submissions, which Council will consider before making a decision on the application.

Please note that the new requirements would not affect existing venues.

The Statement of Proposal outlines the draft policy and summarises the alternatives which were considered. We’re now inviting you to share your views on the draft policy.

Your feedback will help shape the final policy and ensure it reflects the values and needs of our community.

Let’s Talk – Join the conversation today.