The community of Munno Para have won their first battle in a quest to stop more pokies being installed in the region, but will need more support from residents to win the war.
The City of Playford voted in favour of a motion to “…advise the Liquor and Gaming Licensing Commissioner/Court that it opposes the granting of a gaming license for up to 40 machines in the proposed Parkway Tavern.”
Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, delivered a deputation at last night’s Council Meeting on behalf of several concerned community groups, organisations and residents.
“Locals in the area are not only concerned with the locality next from the Playford Shopping Centre, across from the community park and near our schools, but the sheer number of pokies already in the area,” said Mr Piccolo.
“There are already more than 300 pokie machines within an 8km radius of the proposed tavern.
“Considering the proposed site is only 5-10 metres away from being illegal under the law due to its proximity to the shopping centres speaks volumes as to why the machines don’t belong here.
“At some point we need to make a stand, protect our community and residents struggling with addiction and financial pressures, and say enough is enough.
“Research shows that losses from gaming and problem gambling are much higher in lower income areas, which leads to higher domestic and family violence.
“The introduction of additional gaming machines and ease of access to areas has also proven to negatively impact existing businesses and result in more problem gambling.”
The 360 gaming machines across the LGA area profited off the City of Playford residents to the tune of $53,421,725.62 last financial year - $20 million more than the likes of higher income areas such as Unley and Prospect-Walkerville.
Mr Piccolo thanks the City of Playford Councillors and also the parents, staff and students of Mark Oliphant College’s Governing Council who carried respective motions to oppose the machines.
However, he said more voices from the public will be required to influence the Liquor and Gaming Licensing Commissioner’s decision.
Residents who are concerned with the proposal for additional gaming machines in the community can submit their concerns at https://secure.cbs.sa.gov.au/LGPubReg/advertising.php before Wednesday, 6 November 2024.
Following the consultation period, the Commissioner can decide whether to reject or approve the licence based on submissions received, hold a hearing for all parties to present their arguments or refer the application to the Licensing Court of South Australia.