Across Australia, responsible gaming campaigners are working hard to find new ways to reduce the potential harm of poker machines. Wellington Council is the latest group to take up this cause, and has called on local residents for help. This week, Wellington Council issued a statement, asking community members to participate in a Community Attitude Survey.
This survey will ask residents about their opinions on poker machines, and whether or not they would like to see more pokies in the area. Recently, several clubs across the municipality have requested new pokies, and the government is unsure if they should be granted. Currently, Wellington Shire has 9 pokies for every 1000 people – which is significantly higher than the state average of 6 pokies per 1000 people.
“Two recent applications lodged with the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) seek to add an additional 16 machines in Wellington,” says Glenys Butler, Wellington Shire Council General Manager Community and Culture. “We want to know our residents’ attitudes towards this proposal, so we can most accurately advocate on their behalf when providing Council’s response in relation to these applications.”
It is important for the local community to have their say on pokies. While the government has the ultimate decision on the issue, it should be made with the best interests of local residents in mind. This survey will help to ensure that the Wellington Shire Council can offer a solution that will benefit the community. To complete the survey, visit the Wellington Shire Council website.
The survey closes at 5pm on Thursday 12 November. If you any questions, you can contact the Coordinator Social Planning and Policy at Wellington Shire Council, at 1300 366 244.
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