The Apex Foundation enthusiastically supports Ballarat City Council’s request that State Government reduce the number of electronic gaming machines in the city.
Apex Foundation Chairman Jim Hughes said the community group commends City of Ballarat for its community leadership position with regard to the number of electronic gaming machines within the city and their effect on the Ballarat community’s health and well being.
“Gambling has, in some cases, caused many ongoing problems within our society and it is commendable to see a courageous and visionary decision taken in the interest of the Ballarat community by your Council,” said Mr Hughes.
The Apex Foundation Board of Directors unanimously made a decision to support Council’s initiative to seek to reduce the number of gaming machines in Ballarat.
“Well done, this is real community citizenship in the interest of your constituents,” said Mr Hughes.
Mayor Fletcher welcomed the endorsement of the Apex Foundation and thanked the group for its strong support.
“The Apex Foundation works tirelessly and independently to improve the quality of life of Australians who have special needs, particularly children. The Foundation is a vital affiliate of Apex Australia, a leading volunteer community service organisation made up of dedicated members who work together to build stronger communities.
“The Apex Foundation understands the negative health and well being impact of problem gambling and supports Council’s strong stance on harm minimisation. The support of such a worthy and involved community foundation speaks volumes for Council’s initiative.”
Mayor Fletcher acknowledged that local government does not have control of gaming machines and that the support of community organisations is imperative to building a strong case to push for State Government action.
“Support from leading community groups, such as the Apex Foundation, is vital for Council’s position of gaming machine reduction to become a reality. We want the State Government to recognise that Council and the Apex Foundation, and many other community organisations, have serious concerns about the prevalence and accessibility of electronic gaming machines.”
Ballarat is home to 657 electronic gaming machines (EGMs), just six machines less than the city’s gaming machine cap of 663. The EGM cap was set by the Victorian State Government in 2006. In 2010, EGMs in the City of Ballarat generated revenue of more than $55 million.
The City of Ballarat is requesting a reduction of the city’s cap to 454 machines from the State Government, bringing the number of machines down to the Victorian average cap of 6.28 machines per 1,000 adults.
On Wednesday, 24 August, the City of Ballarat Council voted to adopt its Gaming Machine Community Policy – August 2011, amended to reflect Council’s position to reduce the number of Electronic Gaming Machines to the Victorian State Average.