Golden Plains Shire Council endorsed the Draft Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy (the Draft Policy) for a period of public exhibition at its July Council Meeting.
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.
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 minimisation is an evidence-based framework which responds to gambling and gambling harm in the community through prioritising health and wellbeing.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey encouraged community members to read the Draft Policy and provide their feedback.
“The harm from gambling is undeniable and clearly a significant issue which affects people of all ages, families and also the broader community,” Cr Sharkey said.
“This Draft Policy aims to looks at ways Council can assist in reducing harm from gambling through planning, regulation and enforcement, advocacy and partnerships, service delivery and community development as well as Council Infrastructure.”
To read the Draft Policy and provide feedback, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations. Feedback is invited from Monday 4 August to 5pm, Monday 1 September 2025, and can be completed online or via hard copy at Council’s Customer Hubs, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn, and 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
Council will consider all submissions on the Draft Policy and provide a further report to Council in September.