MP raises pokies fear for Knox

By Paul Pickering
FERNTREE Gully MP Nick Wakeling last week warned that as many as 288 electronic gaming machines could soon be forced upon the municipality of Knox.
With six Victorian municipalities being deemed to have an over-supply of gaming machines, Mr Wakeling fears that Knox could be among the communities targeted for the redistribution of the 543 excess machines.
According to State Government policy, a municipality is entitled 10 machines per 1000 adults in the community, making Knox’s quota 1149.
Mr Wakeling said Knox’s current allotment of 861 machines allows for a potential increase of 288 machines.
“This action will be conducted without any consultation with the local community,” Mr Wakeling said.
His comments were dismissed as “irresponsible scaremongering” by a State Government spokesperson.
“Any machine removed from a capped region can only be relocated to local government areas if approval is obtained from the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation, and a planning permit obtained from the local council,” the spokesperson noted.
The assurance did not go far enough for Mr Wakeling, who called upon the government to rule out an increase in poker machines in Knox.
“People in my community have made it very clear that they don’t want more poker machines,” he said.
“This government has a total disregard of the views of Knox residents.”
Mr Wakeling has indicated that he will raise the issue in State Parliament.