200 more pokies for Logan city

The State Government is under fire after signing off on a plan for 200 more poker machines to be transferred to Logan.

The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation has approved the gaming machines for the Brisbane Lions Social Club set to be built at Springwood.
This would make the club the equal second-largest gaming venue in Logan.

The move has drawn strong criticism from anti-pokies campaigners, with gambling losses across the city eclipsing $120 million in both 2008 and 2009.
Logan City councillor Darren Power (Division 10), who resigned as chair of the city's economic development committee in protest of the council's support of the Brisbane Lions proposal, said the government's decision was "devastating".

Councillor Power said because the city was among the most vulnerable for pokies-related problems, the last thing needed was 200 more machines.
"The problem is that the machines just work overtime here,'' he said.

"The situation is kids are going to school without food in their bags, the possibility of suicide is enormous and we've got some pretty big social issues in Logan.

"And for a (state government) to go around and put another 200 poker machines in Logan is disgraceful.''

State Member for Beaudesert Aidan McLindon labelled the decision irresponsible, saying the machines would take money from local businesses and create new gambling addicts.

"Unfortunately the government has certainly sold the Logan economy short in its enthusiasm to rubber stamp this,'' he said.

Responding to the concerns, a spokesman from the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation said the Queensland Gaming Commission rigorously examined the impact on the community of every application to increase gaming machines.

They said a percentage of state revenue is dedicated to Gambling Community Benefit Fund supporting community groups and not-for-profit organisations.

The spokesman said the Queensland Government had implemented initiatives to ensure a balance between social and economic costs and benefits of gambling.
These include a cap on gaming machine numbers in clubs, mandatory responsible service of gambling training, a moratorium on electronic gaming machine increases, a ban on pre-10am gaming operating hours and a review of ATM withdrawal limits at venues.

Brisbane Lions chief executive officer Michael Bowers said the club wanted to build a facility that would make a significant contribution to the local community.
He said part of the profits would be channelled through to the development of AFL in the area and support other organisations.

"The club hasn't started yet but it's a bit premature to say we're not going to be a good and helpful part of the community,'' he said.
He said research showed a vast majority of club users were able to enjoy the facilities without it affecting their lives of families through problem gambling.

Published in the Albert and Logan News on 31 March.

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