The Montmorency-Eltham RSL club is well on its way to receiving permission to install 15 new pokies. After obtaining approval from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, the club will have to face the Banyule council, as it requires planning permission for the new extension.
A statement from the VCGLR reads: “The net economic and social impact of approving this application will not be detrimental to the wellbeing of the community of Banyule, and accordingly grants the application”. The application for the extension is now with the local council. While approval from the VCGLR is promising, the council already has a checked history with the Montmorency-Eltham RSL club.
Last year, the council opposed the request for new games and criticised the club’s decision to first seek approval from the gaming commission, as it eliminated any input from the community. This time around, things will certainly be different. Councillor Tom Melican stated that the council will get the community involved in the decision, ensuring that members of the public have their say about adding new games to the community.
“We are looking at a lot of public consultation before any final decision is made,” he says. It is certainly important to obtain approval from the gaming commission, but the public also plays a crucial role in a club decision to add new pokies. Members of the community have insight into whether or not the new pokies would cause harm or bring more fun and entertainment into the city.
The local council will ensure that this insight does not go unheard and will play an important part in whether or not the club will be able to add new pokies.
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