Council will undertake its strategic planning and regulatory roles to protect those most at risk of gambling harm by:

• Embedding gambling harm minimisation as a priority area in Council’s strategic documents, including future Council and Health and Wellbeing Plans.
• Managing the location and operation of electronic gambling machines through the planning process.
• Assessing the social and economic impacts of applications considered under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 and Maroondah Planning Scheme.
• Enforcing planning permit conditions.

Council will build the community’s capacity to enhance health and wellbeing by:

• Raising awareness of the causes of and risks associated with gambling.
• Raising awareness of support services available to people directly and indirectly affected by gambling harm.
• Supporting efforts by community organisations to reduce their reliance on gambling revenue.

Council will address the community’s concerns about the harmful impacts of gambling by:

• Advocating for reforms to the regulatory framework that improve the design and operation of gaming venues and electronic gambling machines and reduce exposure to gambling through advertising.
• Representing the community in response to applications considered under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 and Planning and Environment Act 1987.
• Making submissions to state and federal government proposals in relation to gambling matters.
• Maintaining strong partnerships with peak bodies such as the Alliance for Gambling Reform and other local governments to enhance advocacy impacts.

Council will collaborate with our stakeholders to prevent and minimise gambling harm by:

• Strengthening collaborative partnerships with agencies responsible for delivering services to people affected by gambling harm.
• Collectively enhancing access to and use of activities and facilities that provide social, leisure, entertainment, cultural and recreational alternatives to gambling.
• Collaborating with adjoining local authorities when responding to applications considered under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 and Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Council will demonstrate leadership through managing its facilities and programs to prevent and minimise harm from gambling by:

• Prohibiting exposure to gambling on Council-owned or managed land.
• Not providing community grants, financial assistance, or in-kind support to organisations or businesses that operate electronic gambling machines.
• Not funding any programs or activities held in facilities that operate electronic gambling machines.
• Maintaining independence from the gambling industry by not accepting direct financial contributions nor participating in the distribution of financial contributions from the gambling industry.
• Not promoting events or activities held at venues with electronic gambling machines.
• Not holding any activity, event, function or program at venues that operate electronic gambling machines.
• Endeavouring to filter and block gambling related internet sites for devices connected to the Council’s core information and communication technology (ICT) network.