Overview
VCAT has this morning refused an application to install gaming machines at the Romsey Hotel.
Mayor John Letchford said this is a great win for the community and local government in relation to being able to have a say on the placement of gaming machines in their municipality. “Over several years, the community repeatedly voiced strong opposition to the installation of gaming machines in Romsey and Council has been committed at each stage to opposing the application,” he said.
Justice Bell spoke about local government's mandated responsibility to protect the health and wellbeing of the localcommunity under various Acts such as the Health and Wellbeing and Local Government Act. He considered there would be a slight economic benefit but that there would be a great negative social and wellbeing impact. Thus on this balance he refused the application. He also mentioned the locational issues such as being opposite two churches, next to the community centre and adjacent to the main bus stop.
Download VCAT decision