The number of electronic gaming machines for Victoria Tavern in Gisborne will be capped at 50.
The venue, at 22 Aitken Street, has 42 poker machines and applied to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation seeking an additional eight machines.
Planning and environment director Sophie Segafredo said the venue’s planning permit issued in 1995 allowed the premises a total of 60 poker machines.
In talks between venue owners Castello Hotel Investments and the Macedon Ranges council before the council’s Wednesday night meeting, it was agreed the council would not object to the VCGLR about the application for a further eight machines if the venue agreed that 50 would be the ultimate cap.
“This would be the final increase of eight machines,” Ms Segafredo said.
“The number of machines would be limited to 50, and the agreement would be attached to the title of the premises.”
Cr John Letchford said the deal meant the council had eliminated 10 gaming machines from the main shopping area.
“This is a better outcome … not only for now, but in 20 years’ time.”
The council gave the venue owners until last Friday to formalise the agreement in writing otherwise it would object to the VCGLR about the increase in machines.
An economic and social impact assessment conducted for the council by consultant Bonnie Rosen, of Symplan Consulting, found that the increase in poker machines would have a negative impact on the community, particularly young people, people experiencing housing stress and people experiencing social and economic disadvantage.
Angela Valente
