2016-08-24
An application from Collingwood Football Club to increase the number of machines from 80 to 90 at the Coach & Horses Ringwood (City of Maroondah) is set to be heard on 28 September 2016. As earlier reported by the Leader, this would result in would result in the community losing $1 million extra dollars in just one year.
"Families in Maroondah will suffer if these pokie machines, which are designed to be addictive, are allowed. Pokies cause massive financial stress that leads to family breakdown, crime, job loss, depression and suicide," said Samantha Dunn, Member for the Eastern Metropolitan Region.
Last financial year from July 2015 to June 2016, community members in the City of Maroondah lost 65.2 million to gambling, approximately $3,489,717 more than the previous year.
"Pubs with pokies and children's playgrounds, such as Coach & Horses, are particularly problematic because these machines are highly addictive and can create negative life-long habits for children who are exposed to them," said Ms Dunn.
"Communities and Councils need to have the power to reject pokies applications such as these, which cause enormous harm to the community."
"Footy clubs need to catch up and recognise the enormous social harms pokies cause in the community, especially given they often seek to lead positively on social issues such as violence and community disadvantage."
The social and economic impact report for Collingwood Football Club's application, demonstrates that much of the Club's donations do not actually benefit families within the Maroondah area. The report states that the Club last year has given more than half of its cash donations ($34,250 out of $63,800) to clubs outside of Maroondah LGA.
"It's lucky Collingwood Football Club's motto is 'May the Magpie prosper' and not 'May the community prosper', because these pokies machines are very destructive," said Ms Dunn.