Shire will write to regulator about pokies plan at Torquay Hotel

THE Surf Coast Shire will write to the industry regulator about the Torquay Hotel’s plan to add 15 more poker machines, but has not yet decided what that submission will be.

Earlier this year, the hotel in Bell Street submitted an application to the Victorian Commission of Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) to increase its number of electronic gaming machines from 30 to 45.

Under the Gaming Regulation Act 2003, the council has the opportunity to make a submission outlining the impact the proposal will have on the social and economic wellbeing of the community, but had until April 9 to notify the VCGLR if it intended to make a submission about the application.

At last month’s council meeting, councillors resolved that the shire would make a submission.

The shire now has until May 1 to make the submission, and may consider it at this month’s council meeting (to be held on April 24) before it is sent to the VCGLR.

According to the report presented to councillors, Torquay Hotel has outlined to the VCGLR the conditions under which it is applying to change its licence, which include committing to undertake a $600,000 redevelopment of the hotel within the next two years. These works will focus on updating the amenity of the spaces as well as creating additional bistro and alfresco seating to cater for peak periods.

The hotel will also provide an annual additional $30,000 cash contribution to be donated to a range of community organisations for the life of the entitlements (up to 2022).

The report states that Surf Coast Shire policy aims to reduce the impact on the community from gaming machines by ensuring they are not located in areas of disadvantage or where convenience gambling could be promoted.

“The Torquay Hotel has argued that the social and economic impacts of the current proposal would have minimal impact and be in compliance with council policy.

“Officers are still assessing the application and associated documents to confirm the proposal is consistent with council policy and will not result in net detriment to the community.”