Backlash over

By Jade Lawton
Last week’s Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation (VCGR) decision gained widespread media coverage after it was reported that a playground in clear plastic would be built next to the gaming room.
The VCGR has since refuted the claims, saying a wall, lounge and lobby would separate the pokies and children’s area in the $8.4 million hotel.
The Pink Hill Hotel, planned for May Road, was refused a permit by Cardinia Shire Council sat year. A VCAT appeal will be heard in November.
Beaconsfield Community Centre co-ordinator Mim Gillespie said the centre had been inundated with phone calls from concerned residents.
“We’ve had a lot of people call in very upset about it. So many people are just saying what’s happening, I didn’t know about this,” she said.
“For us, it’s just too close to the childcare centre.”
President of the Beaconsfield Progress Association, Les Reader, said a large percentage of the community was against the proposal.
“I would imagine there are some people looking forward to it but everyone I’ve spoken to seems to be against the development,” he said.
“I believe we need to restrict the number of poker machines that are around. I understand that they are a legal entity in their own right, but there are ample (machines) provided in Pakenham and Berwick.”
Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Graeme Legge said the council was ‘extremely’ disappointed in the permit, with the decision at odds with community views.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato also said she was against the development, and had lodged written objections in both 2006 and 2009.
She has also vowed to attend the November VCAT hearing to give evidence against the appeal. She has also encouraged an action group of residents to spearhead community opposition.
“Today, I thought we’d all come together to show that 90 per cent of people do not want pokies in Beaconsfield,” she said on Monday.
“After that I would like to meet with some people interested in forming a group for public opposition to the proposal.”
Ms Lobato refused a question from Rosemary Hopgood, a Beaconsfield resident and Liberal Party member.
“I wanted the people of Beaconsfield the opportunity to ask questions. I don’t care what party she represents, she just threw back that she wouldn’t answer questions from members of the Liberal Party. It’s disappointing – my three-year-old daughter goes to kinder here.” Beaconsfield residents Deb Lovett and Mary Merry said they were also disappointed that they could not ask questions.
Eastern Victoria MP Edward O’Donohue and Liberal candidate for Gembrook, Brad Battin, derided the meeting as a political stunt.
“There have been enormous objections to this venue through petitions I have submitted to the parliament, totalling more than 2500 people. This Pink Hill approval flies in the face of the locals and community groups that have signed these petitions,” Mr O’Donohue said.
Mr Battin said the approval showed that Ms Lobato had failed to stand up for the community.
Project developer Robin Daley said he was surprised at the level of misinformation in the community.
“The playground being in view of the gaming area – that was never the case, and is clear on the plans.
“A lot of people have been misinformed. It’s an $8.5 million hotel and the community gets the benefit of $100,000 a year to service clubs.
“In my opinion as an estate agent for more than 40 years, that area from Pakenham Cemetery to Beaconsfield will all be houses soon. You can’t deny development.”