Council backdown on application for pokies

Geelong’s council has backed away from opposing an increase in pokies at Sphinx Hotel despite spending $40,000 on an investigation into the venue’s application for more gaming machines.
Council this week voted against making a submission to Victorian Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulation even though the investigation found that the additional pokies would be detrimental to the area.
But a council media release said the social and economic impact assessment concluded “there would be no material detriment to the local community”.
Instead council wants the Sphinx to contribute $7500 annually to problem gambling support programs.
Council wants two other conditions imposed on the Sphinx, separating the bistro from the gaming room with a frosted glass wall and inserting a 2016 sunset clause on an associated motel redevelopment.
The Independent reported in December that the Sphinx Hotel had bought 10 more pokies to add to its existing 57 gaming machines.
However, the purchase took the hotel’s allocation above its licence of 63, requiring an application for the additional four pokies.
Cr Jan Farrell said the assessment demonstrated only a “minor net detriment” but council could only oppose the application if the social and economic impact would be substantial.
A community survey conducted alongside the assessment proved inconclusive, she said.
“We were not in a strong position to take this to the commission.
“Council officers negotiated with the applicant in good faith on the outcomes and they’ve agreed in principle. We feel they’re fairly stringent conditions and see that as a positive outcome.”
Cr Farrell said the gaming commission dealt with applications on their merits but had demonstrated a pattern of “enabling additional machines”.
She defended the cost of the assessment.
“It informed council’s decision,” Cr Farrell said.
Council also decided to allow a Waurn Ponds Hotel application for 14 extra pokies to proceed unopposed.
The increase would leave the hotel with 70 pokies.
Cr Farrell said the application was a resubmission of bid that council and the gaming commission approved in 2011.