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New rules on gaming are welcome says MayorMayor welcomes new measures to combat problem gambling. By Latrobe City Council - 5th February 2001 - Back to News Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Tony Hanning has welcomed the State Government’s announcement of new measures to combat problem gambling, saying that the new restrictions being introduced in Victoria endorsed Council’s stand and reflected the reality of problem gambling faced by many.
“The announcement that new regulations will apply to advertising, and that venues will have to install clocks and provide the equivalent of natural light in gaming rooms, recognises that many people lose a sense of time and perspective when using poker machines, and as a consequence forget what their limits and responsibilities are,” Cr Hanning said.
“Latrobe has recognised for some time that these are key factors for problem gamblers and through its Gaming Accreditation Charter, which insists on the provision of factors such as clocks and a standard of light, has moved to minimise the impact of gambling on the Latrobe community.
“The State Government’s new regulations are an endorsement of the policy we have been following for two years, and while we were prepared to go it alone in attempting to minimise the harm to the community caused by problem gambling, the Government’s new rules are a recognition that this is a state-wide problem that the community and government at all levels has to tackle,” Cr Hanning said.
“In Latrobe City, gaming venues are encouraged to seek five star accreditation from Council and are rated on a points system which takes into account such factors as clocks and lighting, the availability of information on responsible gambling and counselling services for problem gambling, the provision of a range of other recreational facilities by the premises, and the provision of an informal seating area with free tea and coffee as an alternative outside of the gambling area.
“Where a club obtains five-star accreditation, Latrobe City waives the normal Council rates that the club would pay, providing that the club instead makes a payment of 110% of what those rates would be, into a special Gambling Impact Fund,” Cr Hanning explained.
“All monies paid into this Gambling Impact fund are administered by the Latrobe City Trust, and grants from those funds provide support for a wide range of worthwhile community programs. It should be stressed that these programs are not directed at solving gamblers’ personal financial difficulties, or necessarily for counselling specific problem gamblers, but are used for promoting social and economic development in local communities through the funding of worthwhile programs and projects which provide alternatives to gambling.
“Three of the region’s top venues, the Yallourn Bowling Club, The Morwell Club, and the Morwell Bowling Club, have now embraced accreditation, but others have been slow to follow suit. The new State Government regulations will to some extent force the hand of venues which have not yet taken on that responsible role.
“As they now have to comply with some of the key issues in our accreditation system to meet the State Government regulations, the task of complying with the rest of our accreditation requirements will be a smaller step, and we would expect others to quickly fall into step, helping to minimise the impact of gambling on the Latrobe community,” Cr Hanning concluded.
Further information on the Gaming Accreditation Charter and the Gambling Impact Fund is available from Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.
Media Enquiries:
Cr. Tony Hanning, Mayor, Latrobe City
tel. 0417 373 577
Cr. Brendan Jenkins, Deputy Mayor, Latrobe City
tel. 0417 374 590
Ms. Penny Holloway, Chief Executive Officer,
tel. 5173 1401 or 0417 557 103
Jeremy Bein, Public Relations and Communications Officer,
tel. 5173 1468
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com
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The Silver Review recommends abolishing VEAC, a $1.4 million taxpayer-funded bureaucracy, as Labor’s ineffective agency failed to improve land management or address bushfire and environmental risks. - Danny O’Brien says Crime Statistics Agency figures reveal rising serious assaults and theft across Gippsland communities
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Retail theft in Gippsland has soared over 70%, hitting Wellington hardest, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien calling for stronger law enforcement to protect small businesses from rising crime. - Danny O’Brien says July-September 2025 data shows Labor continues failing Gippsland’s critical emergency response
Ambulance Victoria data shows Gippsland response times well below targets, with urgent calls for the Allan Labor government to improve staffing, resources, and performance to protect regional communities. - Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs. - Danny O’Brien says South Gippsland Highway receives constant patch-ups instead of proper, long-term investment
Danny O’Brien criticises South Gippsland Highway constant patch-ups, highlighting 169 maintenance tasks since July, calling for proper investment and long-term repairs instead of short-term, wasteful fixes by the Labor government. - Martin Cameron says community safety has declined under Labor amid rising crime and 1500 Victoria Police vacancies
Nationals and Liberals pledge 3,000 extra Victoria Police officers and restored station hours under Safer Communities Plan, addressing regional crime concerns, vacancies, and policing shortages across Latrobe Valley. - Martin Cameron says Latrobe Valley community safety declines as crime rises six percent, police resources reduced
Martin Cameron warns Latrobe Valley community safety is worsening under Labor, citing rising crime, reduced police resources, retail theft spikes, weak bail laws, and calls for tougher prevention and policing measures. - Baw Baw Shire Council approves Roadside Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy following community feedback
Baw Baw Council has adopted its new Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy, following extensive community consultation to guide safe, vibrant, and accessible public spaces. - Martin Cameron says Yallourn job cuts devastate workers and mark first blow in Power Station closure
Up to 40 Yallourn Power Station jobs will be cut by 2025, sparking concern from Martin Cameron over Labor's failure to support the Latrobe Valley through the energy transition. - Venus Bay’s Eric Collier joins 2026 CMAA Senior Course, supported by a Sound NSW Scholarship
From January 5-16, 29 emerging artists from Australia, New Zealand, and the US will attend the 2026 CMA Academy Senior Course in Tamworth, gaining mentorship, skills, and career development. - Darren Chester calls on Victorian government to prioritise rebuilding Sale College amid safety, ageing infrastructure concerns
Darren Chester has urged the Victorian government to prioritise a new single-site campus for Sale College, citing deteriorating facilities, safety concerns, and long-standing community frustration. - Craig Watts Park playground in Neerim South closing temporarily for upgrades from 28 January to 31 March 2026
Craig Watts Park playground in Neerim South will be upgraded with new climbing, swing, and junior play zones, closing 28 January to 31 March 2026, as part of Council’s renewal program. - Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Latrobe City Council's Councillor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 regional agenda
Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 agenda, advocating sustainable growth, investment, and workforce opportunities for regional Victoria’s cities and surrounding communities. - Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection. - Paynesville slip road Maritime Precinct enters final construction phase with jetties, boat ramp and seawall nearing completion
Construction of Paynesville Slip Road Maritime Precinct is nearing completion, delivering new jetties, boat ramp, seawall, and waterfront spaces to support boating, tourism, and the local marine industry. - Darren Chester celebrates completion of $2M Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment ahead of grand final
Darren Chester welcomed the $2 million Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering modern facilities, improved amenities, and new courts, officially opening September 6 as the community hosts its first grand final in 25 years. - Danny O’Brien thanks volunteers and communities for celebrating Australia Day across South Gippsland with the awards and ceremonies
Danny O’Brien thanked volunteers, councils, and community groups for Australia Day events, celebrating new citizens, recognising local award recipients, and highlighting Gippsland South’s community spirit and contributions.
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