Differential rate funds way forward

Media Release from Cr Oscar Yildiz JP, Moreland Mayor

Wednesday 2 March 2011, Moreland City Council

Council’s ongoing fight against problem gambling is bearing fruit with the differential rate on electronic gaming machine land providing the funds to target the issue head on.

“Thanks to the gaming differential rate, we raised necessary funds that will help us begin dealing with the issues surrounding problem gambling that are plaguing our community.” Mayor Oscar Yildiz

Council raised approximately $115,000 this financial year, which will be spent on researching the local impacts of problem gambling, developing a social marketing campaign as well as promoting alternatives to problem gamblers. The success of all the initiatives will be based on the research gathered in the first phase of the project.

“We want to be sure that we are well informed in order to reach out and provide appropriate alternatives to residents affected by problem gambling.” Mayor Yildiz added.

Council’s gaming differential rate was initially introduced in the 2009/10 financial year but a legal flaw in the rate caused Council to withdraw. Council corrected the legal flaw and re-introduced it the following year.

This year Council did not receive any objections to the rate and differential rate payments are up-to-date.

“We are active in addressing problem gambling which is why the gaming differential rate is important for us and all councils who are left with the gaming industry’s debris.” Mayor Yildiz said.