Golden Plains Shire Council adopted the Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy (the Policy) at its Council meeting on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
The 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.
The Policy was adopted following a period of public exhibition in August 2025, and a community submission received during this time was considered in its final adoption.
The Policy aligns with Council’s existing Harm Minimisation Framework, which recognises gambling as a public health issue. It also aligns with harm minimisation approaches set out in Council’s Community Vision 2040, the Council Plan 2025-2029 and the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Action Plan 2025-2029.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said the Policy responds to gambling and gambling harm through prioritising health and wellbeing in the community.
“Gambling harm is a complex issue, and we believe this Policy brings a proactive and comprehensive approach to minimise the risks and harm of gambling,” Cr Sharkey said.
“There are a variety of ways this Policy looks at assisting in reducing harm from gambling – from planning regulation and enforcement to advocacy and partnerships and service delivery. Let’s work together as a Council and community to recognise the risks associated with gambling and produce positive outcomes for the community.”
The adopted Policy will be available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/council-policies.
For further information, contact Council’s Community Development team at [email protected] or call 5220 7111.