Commission approves application for additional 11 pokies at Waurn Ponds Hotel

On 27 October 2020, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application by Waurn Ponds Management Pty Ltd to increase the number of pokies at Waurn Ponds Hotel (City of Greater Geelong) from 70 to 81.

The City of Greater Geelong opposed the application and appeared at the hearing.

On 18 November 2020, the commission approved the application with conditions.

The commission found the social and economic impact to the wellbeing of the City of Greater Geelong community, if the application was approved, will not be detrimental. Hence the 'no net detriment' test was met.

The commission's approval is subject to the following conditions:

• the decision does not take effect until initial works are completed to the satisfaction of the commission. The initial works include: creating an airlock in the northeastern corner of the gaming room and the installation of solid walls to screen gaming machines
• the remaining works must be substantially completed to the satisfaction of the commission within 12 months of the additional 11 pokies being installed. The remaining works relate to the construction of a retractable roof over the beer garden and associated refurbishment of the area
• the hotel must make additional annual cash contributions of $15,000 (indexed to CPI) to not-for-profit community groups and sporting organisations providing services and facilities to residents in the City of Greater Geelong
• the hotel must continue to pay existing cash contributions of at least $30,000 per year to not-for-profit community and sporting groups in the City of Greater Geelong.

Read the commission's Decision.

Read more about pokies in the City of Greater Geelong on the Foundation website.