Noosa Council will consider strengthening its role in reducing gambling-related harm, voting to explore a policy position on the use of electronic gaming machines on Council-owned and trustee land.
At Thursday's Ordinary Meeting, councillors supported Cr Amelia Lorentson's motion to consider including guidelines on gaming machines as part of the review of Council's Community Purpose Land and Infrastructure Tenure Policy.
"The aim is a clear framework for decisions about installing or expanding the numbers of gaming machines on land under Council's control," Mayor Frank Wilkie said.
The Mayor said the pro-active decision responds to concerns about the social impacts of gambling.
"While the regulation of gaming machines sits with the State Government under the Gaming Machine Act 1991, councils have an important role in deciding how community land is used," Cr Wilkie said.
Cr Lorentson's motion also noted that several Queensland councils, including Logan City Council, have similar policies to help reduce gambling harm and support community wellbeing.
As part of the decision, Council will also consider reinstating its membership with the Alliance for Gambling Reform, a national advocacy group focused on reducing harm caused by gambling.
"Joining the Alliance would strengthen our ability to collaborate and advocate for measures that protect vulnerable people and promote healthier communities," the Mayor said.
Mayor Frank Wilkie discusses the action Council is considering in relation to gaming machines:
Mayor-Frank-Wilkie-Gaming-machines.mp3
