An expansion of Hillside’s Sugar Gum hotel could introduce 20 more gaming machines into the Melton municipality.
Councillors last week supported an application to amend an existing development plan, granted in 2003, to upgrade the hotel. The development plan included extensions to the venue, a new facade and more parking.
The amendment was to increase the number of pokies at the hotel from 50 to 70.
In a report, council officers said that the increase in poker machines was within the council’s gaming policy.
The Victorian Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulation approved an increase in the number of gaming machines at the hotel in 2013, but Sugar Gum did not apply for a planning permit at the time and the machines were not installed.
Last week councillors approved a planning permit for the development. Following a council officer’s recomendation they will seek discussions with the applicants, Pegasus Leisure Group, to influence how the revenue from gaming machines is distributed back into the community.
“I know that gaming machines are not a popular issue to support as councillors,” Cambridge ward councillor Kathy Majdlik said. “One of the big reasons I chose to support the [amendment of the plan] was because the officer’s recommendation is requesting that council try and enter into a legal agreement with the Sugar Gum Hotel for the provision and allocation of community contributions.
“Our community isn’t benefited by the residents that actually use these machines, whether it be for fun or addiction, however … this is a way that we as councillors can try and have a say in where these funds will go [so that they benefit the community].”
“Hopefully that will mean more funds into our community groups.”
Councillors Sophie Ramsey, Michelle Mendez and Ken Hardy voted against the approval.
The number of poker machines currently in Melton is 503. Up to 659 machines could be permitted under the state government’s recent gambling reforms.
