Jennifer Pittorino

Hobsons Bay council has endorsed its Draft Gambling Harm Prevention Policy Statement to be placed on public exhibition to receive community feedback.

In its meeting on Tuesday, May 5, council unanimously agreed to put the policy to the public for four weeks from May 12- June 9.

The Draft Policy Statement has been developed to guide council’s ongoing efforts to prevent harm from gambling in Hobsons Bay.

Following the period of public consultation, feedback will be reviewed, and an updated Policy Statement will be presented to council for consideration for adoption.

Councillor Matt Tyler said there are three venues in Hobsons Bay that generate more than half the losses from pokies machines in the municipality, being Millers Inn, Seagulls Nest and Club Laverton

“Hobsons Bay has the equal third highest number of pokie machines per population in greater Melbourne, and there is research being done there are certain types of gambling that’s more harmful than others , particularly pokies and online gambling,” he said

“I am pleased to see council doing its bit to prevent gambling harm , there are strong links between gambling harm and financial loss, family violence, health and wellbeing, relationships,” he said.

Within the last financial year Hobsons Bay has faced a 5.1 per cent growth in losses , despite the many harm prevention measures that have come to light.

Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud said council needs to work with the community to move into the next phase of harm reduction.

“This is an issue about protection as well as prevention, it’s important we help those people that are often the most vulnerable in our community affected by these types of entertainment,” she said.

In the last two financial years , the city of Hobsons Bay lost 18 million through Electrical Gaming Machines

Opportunities to provide feedback will be promoted through the council’s social media platforms.