Men of faith slam hotel pokies blasted

Jessica Benton
Torquay religious leaders have slammed plans for gaming machines at Jan Juc’s The Beach Hotel.
But hotel management has defended the pokies bid as only a “small part” of a $4 million redevelopment.
The hotel has applied for approval to open a gaming centre with up to 30 pokies. The redevelopment would also add to the hotel’s two function centres, accommodation, extra car parking and a new bar and bistro on an adjacent vacant block.
Catholic priest Father Greg Trythall feared extra pokies would amplify gambling addiction in Torquay and Jan Juc.
“I’m generally concerned regarding the addiction that poker machines have for too many people in our community,” he said.
“Increasing the number of poker machines usually does strengthen the problems of certain people who find it easy to be addicted.”
Surf Coast Church Pastor Philip Shirley said he was unclear on the detail of the hotel plan but rejected any increase in pokies.
“I wouldn’t put my hand up for more poker machines here,” he said.
“We (churches) are often the ones having to clean up the mess afterwards when these sorts of things are introduced in regards to counselling and supporting.”
Former Surf Coast councillor John Foss said the pokies plan threatened “significant social and financial problems” for residents.
“There is no community benefit in placing 30 poker machines in the hotel,” he said.
“Poker machines mean big profits for the pubs and big problems for families.”
Beach Hotel manager Lee Greening said the pokies were only “a small part” of the redevelopment.
Mr Greening said the venue had committed to returning $30,000 a year from the pokies to the community for various projects.
An independent committee would oversee disbursement of the cash.
“This money will go back into the community,” Mr Greening said.
“We’ll also be increasing employment in the area to double what we currently have and will be using local tradespeople in the construction stages.”
Mr Greening invited residents with concerns to discuss the pokies plan with hotel management.