Concerns for the viability of gaming venues in Stawell and St Arnaud have been raised by the Northern Grampians Shire Council.
The concerns follow a proposal by the State Government to change gaming laws, which would affect ownership of gaming machines in clubs and hotels.
The proposed changes would allow clubs and hotels to purchase gaming machine entitlements through a bidding process.
While venues have not yet been informed what costs would be involved if the reforms are introduced, there are concerns the impact will be enormous.
Potentially, it could result in the closure of some gaming venues in the region, meaning the loss of several jobs.
Stawell Harness Racing Club has already expressed concern about the future of its gaming venue and also the future of harness racing in Stawell.
Northern Grampians Shire Council has now joined the fight to save venues, including the St Arnaud Community Club which could also be in danger if the proposed changes to gaming laws are introduced.
Cr Ray Hewitt said the proposal was not encouraging.
He asked that council write to the Gaming Minister, Tony Robinson, along with various Local Members of Parliament, expressing concerns that the changes would have an adverse affect on the viability of gaming venues across the shire.
``There has been nothing clear from the government to gaming venue operators about the changes,'' he said.
``It is quite serious how the changes will affect operators. The way the new scheme is to be introduced is what is causing the concern for operators. The government is simply not saying to operators or anyone how it is going to happen.
``It is important that we do help our clubs in the shire by showing support and acknowledging the good work they do. In St Arnaud, the club is a not-for-profit organisation and the money goes back into the community, so it is important to St Arnaud.
``While we do acknowledge that all aspects of gaming are not positive, our clubs have taken the right steps to being responsible and deserve our help.''
Cr Dorothy Patton said the whole issue was another example of the State Government putting proposed changes forward without due consideration to people in country areas.
``This thing needs to be revisited. Local politicians have been heard to say clarification will come, but it does need to be clarified for clubs now,'' Cr Patton said.
Clubs Victoria has put forward a proposal that would assist in the survival of not-for-profit clubs. They have recommended to the government that a realistic price be set for club machine entitlements and that clubs be offered the opportunity to purchase 75% of its current quota at that price. The remaining 25% could then be a part of the competitive bidding process.
A petition, organised by Clubs Victoria, is now available for members of the public to sign, as a show of support to gaming venues in the region. A copy of the petition is available at the Trackside Tabaret.
Email a friend
Favourites
Del.icio.us
Facebook
Digg
StumbleUpon
MySpace
Reddit
Newsvine
LinkedIn
Kwoff
Twitter