The draft Gambling Harm Prevention Policy has been developed to replace the Electronic Gaming Machine (Pokies) Community Policy, endorsed in 2009.

The updated policy confirms Council’s commitment to work with relevant stakeholders to address the harmful impacts of gambling in the community and supports Council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025, which identified preventing harm from gambling as a priority.

The policy was developed utilising local demographics, including financial losses through electronic gaming machines in the Macedon Ranges, as well as contemporary research into gambling harms resulting in a public health approach being adopted.

Submissions closed on Sunday 31 March 2024.

The final Gambling Harm Prevention Policy was adopted at the 16 September 2024 Council Meeting.

Please note: this policy is separate to an application for gaming machines at 90 Main Street in Romsey.