PLANS FOR a $1 billion casino on Geelong’s waterfront have intrigued City Hall.
Council was waiting to hear more on reports today that the Andrews Government was considering a proposal to build Victoria’s second casino in Geelong, said Mayor Darryn Lyons.
But the Greens have already made up their mind, urging the Government to rule out the development.
Melbourne media reported that casino developer John Haddad was eyeing Geelong for a new venture.
He had reportedly identified the city as a “superb place” for a casino and had approached the Government.
But Geelong’s council was unaware of any Government commitment to allow a second casino in Victoria, Cr Lyons said.
City Hall was “keen” to investigate many initiatives to bring new business to Geelong, with a convention centre on the city’s priority list, he said.
The Greens called on the Government to rule out any second casino in Victoria.
Geelong’s community could not afford to lose more money on pokies, said Victorian Greens gambling spokesperson Colleen Hartland.
“Nearly $112 million is already lost every year in the City of Geelong on pokies alone,” she said.
We know poker machines are deceptive and designed to be addictive.
A casino could bring hundreds more to a community already haemorrhaging money to this unethical industry.
“One casino is more than enough for Victoria to cater for the tourist market. The reality is that the casino will be heavily used by locals and our community can’t afford any more losses on gambling.
“There are already 1366 poker machines in 26 venues in the City of Greater Geelong. We can’t afford to have any more.”
Federal Liberal MP Sarah Henderson echoed the Greens’ sentiments.
“I am deeply concerned about this proposal which appears to have been floated by Labor to test community sentiment, the oldest trick in the political book,” said the Member for Corangamite.
“These reports have come before any community or public consultation has been undertaken.
“I strongly support the further development of our waterfront to house a convention centre, boutique hotels and tourism infrastructure, without the need for a casino. Geelong’s tourism icon is its north-facing bay – a rare asset which should be fiercely protected.
“In a city such as Geelong, gambling has the potential to cause real social harm to our tight-knit community.”
