Pink pokies OK

By Melissa Meehan
A CONTROVERSIAL Beaconsfield hotel development has been given the green light by VCAT despite strong opposition from both residents and the local council.
Cardinia Shire councillors refused a proposal for the development and use of a hotel, installation and use of 60 electronic gaming machines (EGM) and use of land for the sale and consumption of alcohol at 13 May Road, Beaconsfield in late 2009.
Since news of the proposal broke, both councillors and residents were outspoken about not wanting another pokies venue in the shire.
“There is a lot of community concern and people do not want them,” councillor George Blenkhorn said.
“I think we have to take a great note of what the local community wants because they are the ones who live in the area.”
The order handed down by VCAT deputy president Helen Gibson and member Bill Sibonis has allowed the development and use of a hotel, installation and use of gaming machines, and will include a sports bar, lounge bar, two bistros, children’s play room, four function rooms and a gaming lounge.
“We have concluded that this is a suitable site for an hotel of the type proposed and also that it is a suitable location for gaming machines,” the decision said.
“We consider the hotel will provide an attractive and popular facility for the present and future population of this growth area.
“While there is a strong core of community opposition to the introduction of gaming machines, they are a lawful use of land and we consider this a suitable location for them.”
On Monday night, councillor Brett Owen spoke about his disappointment of the VCAT decision.
“Obviously the council spent a lot of time and money on this and unfortunately it just didn’t go our way,” Cr Owen said.
“It’s not a great outcome for council but we have had small wins in relation to opening hours and car parking, as well as the developer having to build a footpath to connect to the lights to join Panorama Estate to Beaconsfield.”
Cr Brett Owen said the only good news from the decision was the order that the developers had to come to an agreement with the relevant authority to give back $100,000 annually in cash donations to local community groups, charities and sporting clubs.
Fellow councillor Collin Ross agreed.
“This is an extremely disappointing outcome for the area,” Cr Ross said.
“Although there is no victory, there are a few things we have helped to change.”