The Springvale RSL has every right to feel somewhat jilted by Greater Dandenong Council’s refusing an application for an additional 11 gaming machines, simply because the decision hasn’t been made using common sense.
Once again we have a situation where normal law-abiding people are being punished simply because members of the council want to jump on a politically correct bandwagon in an attempt to rid our city of gaming machines.
When you crunch the numbers and put things in perspective, it’s not at all difficult to see why the Springvale RSL feels it has been dealt a most unfair blow. ’The percentage of the Victorian adult population who are defined as being problem gamblers sits at around 1 per cent, a pretty minuscule amount. While I will agree that Greater Dandenong probably doesn’t need more gaming venues,
I think council places too much of an emphasis on the number of machines in the municipality, as opposed to the number of venues. The Springvale RSL has been in operation for a number of years and for the vast majority of patrons, it provides a meaningful, legitimate and legal venue for hospitality and entertainment. The RSL has provided many benefits to members of the local community.
I would also like to see existing venues contribute more money and resources towards assisting those who do find themselves developing a problem gambling habit. However, decisions still need to be made on a case-by-case basis.
We need to maintain a balanced approach between ensuring the community is looked after while allowing local business an opportunity to grow and remain profitable.
The simple fact is that the additional gaming machines in this venue, had it been approved, would have had virtually no effect on the number of problem gamblers in our municipality.
All council has done in refusing the application is punished an organization for having the audacity to run a perfectly legal business.
– Brad Woodford, Noble Park, candidate for Paperbark ward
