UPDATE: In a significant shift, the Wodonga Council has decided not to oppose the installation of 70 electronic gaming machines at the Huon Hill Hotel, following a contentious council meeting held on August 25, 2023. The motion to submit an objection to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) was defeated by a narrow margin of 3-2, igniting heated debate among council members.
The proposal, put forth by JDA Hotels, the hotel’s Sydney-based owner, has sparked intense discussions about the impact of gambling on the community. Councillor Cassie Aldridge, who moved for the objection, pointed out alarming statistics that revealed residents in the Albury-Wodonga region lost over $100 million to poker machines in the 2023-2024 period. “That is money stripped away from families, from local small businesses, and from our broader community,” she stated passionately.
The council’s current stance marks a notable divergence from its prior decision to oppose a similar application for 75 machines in June, which was withdrawn by JDA Hotels after a 3-3 vote that required a casting vote from then Councillor Hannah Seymour, who has since resigned, prompting a by-election.
During the meeting, Deputy Mayor Michelle Cowan expressed her concern about the detrimental effects of increased gaming options on the local economy. She highlighted that every dollar diverted to electronic gaming machines equates to a loss of 53 cents from household spending, predicting a potential $3.1 million contraction in Wodonga’s economy and the loss of nine full-time jobs if the machines are approved.
In contrast, Councillor Olga Quilty argued that banning gambling machines may not effectively address addiction issues, likening it to her own struggles with a “personal sin” of overindulging in rye bread. Her comments, however, drew criticism from Aldridge, who asserted that the addictive nature of poker machines cannot be downplayed.
With over 200 signatures on a petition opposing the installation of the machines, the community’s voice is loud and clear. Councillor Libby Hall, while acknowledging her own aversion to poker machines, emphasized the importance of personal choice in gambling, stating that alternatives to local venues are readily available online.
Council CEO Matthew Hyde indicated that the defeat of the motion left the council without a formal stance on the application, suggesting a lack of clarity on the future of the proposal. “We’ll be moving on as though the matter is dealt with, unless further information comes up before the end of the meeting,” Cowan confirmed.
As the VGCCC prepares to weigh in on the application, the community remains divided. The future of gaming in Wodonga is uncertain, with many residents now calling for action to protect local businesses and families from the potential consequences of increased gambling options.
This developing situation highlights the urgent need for community engagement as the council navigates this contentious issue. What happens next could significantly shape Wodonga’s economic landscape, making it crucial for residents to stay informed and involved. Share your thoughts and concerns with the VGCCC to ensure your voice is heard.
