The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has rejected a bid for 50 electronic gaming machines at Romsey Hotel.
Romsey Football Netball Club applied for 50 EGMs last year amid plans for a $10 million overhaul of the 90-94 Main Street pub.
The application reignited a community fight from years earlier following a similar bid for pokies at the site that ended at the Supreme Court.
In May, a VGCCC panel of three commissioners heard evidence from the applicant and those opposing the application including Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
MRSC fought the application based on net detriment to the community, which was determined through a Social and Economic Impact Assessment and town survey. It spent about $92,000 in creating its submission.
The VGCCC announced its decision to refuse the application on Friday, June 21.
MRSC CEO Bernie O’Sullivan released a statement on the findings last week.
“The council is pleased the application has been refused, affirming council’s opposition to the application in consideration of community sentiment and the negative wellbeing impacts,” he said.
“However, the council remains supportive of business investment within our towns such as Romsey and would continue to encourage proposals that demonstrate positive benefits without the need for electronic gaming machines.”
Last Monday the council announced it would conduct an additional, random phone survey of residents within a broader survey area, in anticipation of the VGCCC’s decision.
That survey has now been put on hold pending any further action by the applicant related to the VGCCC outcome.
The VGCCC is expected to soon publish reasons for its decision on its website.
