Kyneton Bowling Club is calling for an explicit exemption from Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s proposed Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy.
The policy threatens to shut down KBC’s pokies, raising uncertainty about the club’s future sustainability as it would prevent any form of gambling at council-owned or managed sites.
KBC has been a cornerstone of the local community since 1876 and has always operated under a council lease. Its current lease expires in 2027.
Club chairperson Paula Adams said the club’s closure was a very real risk if forced to divest itself of gaming machines.
“We must express our concern that an unintended consequence of the proposed policy could indeed result in the closure of our club without the revenue generated by the EGMs,” she said.
“We feel it is extremely important to highlight that if EGMs are removed from the club, these licences will inevitably shift to a privately owned operation.
“The club applies 100 per cent of its revenue to providing a sporting and social facility for Kyneton, and supporting other, local, not-for-profit organisations.”
The club introduced 25 gaming machines in 1995 to assist with what it described as “flagging finances”.
EGMs have helped to fund a $5.5 million redevelopment at the club in 2006-8, which included a new clubhouse, bowling green and gaming premises. The club also provides donations and contributions to various community groups in the local area.
KBC is seeking an explicit exemption to continue operating as it has for the past two decades.
They draw on examples set by other councils, such as Mornington Peninsula Shire and City of Greater Bendigo, which introduced similar gaming policies – neither propose to shut down existing EGMs.
The EGM cap for Macedon Ranges is 355 while the shire operates well below that cap with a total of 103 EGMs.
These EGMs are spread across Kyneton Bowling Club, Kyneton RSL and Gisborne’s Victorian Tavern. In 2022/23 they generated a total loss of $9,089,731. It is believed just 18.05 per cent of that figure was attributable to the bowling club.
Ms Adams said the club was considering all options to keep its doors open.
While the club could be eligible for grant opportunities through the council if it relinquished its EGMs, club members were concerned significant investment would be required.
“The club is committed to working on a strategic plan for our future, exploring all possibilities to ensure the ongoing viability of our business and community hub in collaboration with council,” Ms Adams said.
“As part of our future strategic planning, we will investigate options, including the potential to take over the management of the site, and the potential to acquire the Crown land.”
Councillors are expected to make a decision on the Gambling Harm Prevention Policy at their ordinary meeting on August 28.
