About
Golden Plains Shire Council's Draft Gambling Harm Minimisation policy (the Draft Policy) was endorsed for a period of public exhibition at the July 2025 Council Meeting.
The Draft Policy outlines:
- Council’s position of gambling and gambling harm minimisation.
- The actions Council takes to minimise gambling harm within the municipality.
- Roles and responsibilities for Council in preventing harm from gambling within the municipality.
- The associated legislation, policy and plans related to gambling and gambling harm.
Gambling harm is a complex and significant public health issue affecting individuals, families and the broader community. Councils have a responsibility under the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, to protect, improve and promote health and wellbeing.
Gambling harm minimisation is an evidence-based framework which responds to gambling and gambling harm in the community through prioritising health and wellbeing.
This work aligns with Council’s Community Vision 2040, Council Plan 2025-2029, Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Action Plan 2025-2029 and actions committed to in the 2023-2025 Geelong Region Financial Inclusion Action Plan.
The Draft Policy lists actions under the four categories:
- Planning, Regulation and Enforcement
- Advocacy and Partnerships
- Service Delivery and Community Development
- Council Infrastructure.
Council encourages residents to read the Draft Policy and have your say on the Draft Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy.
Survey
Feedback was invited from Monday 4 August to 5pm, Monday 1 September 2025. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on this Draft Policy.
What happens next?
Council will consider all submissions on the Draft Policy and provide a further report to Council in September.