Posted by Murray Grainger
Well done to all those from Omokoroa who lodged a submission to Council on this proposal. We have the result we wanted!
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No new gambling venues or gambling machines will be allowed in the Western Bay of Plenty under a new policy.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council this week unanimously approved changes to the Class 4 Gambling Venues Policy and TAB Venues Policy. The changes aim to minimise the social harm caused by gambling, particularly in more at risk communities and reflect the community’s views.
Following public consultation, the most notable changes to the policy will see Council introduce a ‘Sinking Lid’ approach that means no new gambling venues would be able to set up in the District, and no increases in the number of gaming machines in current venues would be allowed. Relocating a gaming machine venue is also prohibited and clubs that merge are no longer able to hold gaming machines. Standalone TAB venues will also not be allowed to operate in the district.
Council received 157 submissions of which the adopted options gained the majority of community support – between 82% and 66% support, depending on the issue.
“The community has spoken and we think on balance that this reflects what the community wants,” says Mayor Garry Webber.