The operators of Bendigo’s basketball stadium have been trying for quite some time to introduce new poker machines to the venue. For months, local residents have fought the development, concerned about the potential harm of adding 30 new pokies to the community.
A number of hearing have been held as the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal attempts to come to a conclusion on the matter, and Bendigo Stadium owners and city council have been called back to have their cases heard yet again. Owners of Bendigo Stadium want to add new pokies as part of a redevelopment plan. It will help to attract more business to the venue and contribute more tax dollars to the local area.
However, city council does not see it as a positive step forward. The proposal to add new pokies is normally a simple process. If a venue wants to introduce new games and there is no cap on the number of games that are allowed in the state or in the individual venue, then the operator has the right to so. However, local Bendigo residents do not want to see anymore pokies in the area. As such, they have attempted to impose their own cap.
In order to limit the number of poker machines permitted at Bendigo Stadium, the local council has demanded that the operators obtain a planning permit. While it seems absurd, something about the strategy checks out, and the VCAT has had quite a lot of trouble coming to a conclusion. As such, this is the third time that the city council and stadium operators have appeared at a hearing on the issue.
The VCAT has stated that it has never seen a case like this before. At this week’s hearing, the tribunal will determine whether or not the additional permit is required before Bendigo Stadium can install its new pokies. Both parties hope that this will be the last time they have to meet with the VCAT.
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