Actions and activities: Having regard to the above objectives a series of actions and activities are detailed in this section. Council can play one of three roles in relation to the actions: Council can be a provider and directly undertake work to support a strategic Objective; Council can advocate for works on behalf of its community; and, Council can support the work of others in the role of facilitator. The following timeframes have been allocated to actions on the following tables. Time-frame Short-term Year 1 to 2 Medium-term Year 3 to 5 Long-Term Year 6 to 10 Objective one Council will be a highly effective leader in working towards reducing the harm to public health caused by gambling. Number Action Council’s Role Activity Time Line 1.1 Partner with local services, community leaders and community and business organisations to inform the community about the health risks of gambling. Provider and Facilitator Conduct community education and information campaigns in collaboration with local organisations including the Whittlesea Interagency Taskforce on Gambling, Gamblers Help Northern, the Whittlesea Community Leaders Network and the local police. Key community information to be imparted in an accessible and culturally appropriate way to include (although not limited to): the level of the money lost/expended on EGM gambling in the City of Whittlesea the danger of gambling products (e.g. EGMs, online gambling) the health and wellbeing impacts of gambling on individuals, families and communities and business. Short-term
1.2 Work with local sporting, community clubs and organisations to develop and promote accessible, cultural and recreational/leisure activities that enhance community connections and individual health and wellbeing. Advocate Provider Advocate and prepare funding proposals to government (e.g. the CSF) and philanthropic organisations to expand existing and develop new community recreational facilities, meeting spaces and alternative community activities in partnership with local organisations (especially for the growth area of the municipality). Investigate the development and dissemination of information that promotes recreational and entertainment alternatives to gambling. This can be done by collaborating with State and local organisations (including but not limited to Whittlesea Interagency Taskforce on Gambling and Gamblers Help Northern). Alternative activities and programs are focused to attract and engage vulnerable, socially isolated members of the community. Short-term Medium-term 1.3 Promote and continue dialogue with gambling providers. Facilitator Establish an annual forum with gambling providers including EGM operators, to present and discuss information about the City of Whittlesea socio-demographic characteristics, gambling data/trends, new initiatives regarding gambling activities and harm minimisation strategies. Short-term
2.4 Advocate for a municipal wide EGM regional cap. Advocate Council to contribute to State-wide EGM cap discussions/reviews and state in accordance with current evidence the cap of 10 EGMs per 1,000 adults is too high as an effective harm minimisation strategy. Medium to 2.5 Stimulate and strengthen key stakeholder partnerships drawing on public health approaches to address the harms associated with gambling. Advocate Advocate Continue involvement in working closely with Local Government Areas (LGAs) (both neighbouring LGAs and growth area LGAs) as part of any gambling policy development or implementation. Advocate to the Metropolitan Planning Authority for specific provisions regarding gaming venues in greenfield planning and in the preparation of Precinct Structure Plans: To diminish the potential harm of EGM gambling on the health and wellbeing of local new communities; To ensure the first and/or only recreational venue in a newly developed suburb is not a gaming venue. Medium-term 2.6 Investigate Council’s role to apply harm minimization strategies to online (eg. sports betting) and other forms of gambling products and activities. Advocate Advocate Investigate participation in advocacy avenues that aim to achieve tighter controls of online advertising of gambling products and activities. Work collaboratively with peak associations/bodies to advocate for the banning of gaming or games available to children that introduce and normalise gambling at gaming venues, at retail outlets and via online games. Advocate for the reduction and removal of gambling and betting advertisements on television and radio at sporting events, on sports programs. Increase the availability of information and resources to assist in raising the profile of the harms associated with online gambling and other forms of gambling products and activities for the community. Medium-term Medium-term Long-term Medium-term term
3.2 Provide greater guidance on EGM gaming on Council owned or managed property/ land. Provider Investigate a fees and charges policy for clubs with EGMs located on Council owned or managed property or land. The policy should take into consideration: Income generated for the club from gaming machines and the application of a commercial rent for all or part of the premises; and, Community attitudes following a community exhibition process. Medium- 3.3 Review existing Council policies (strategies/ to support and enhance a consistent and integrated Council response to reducing gambling related harms. Provider Identify appropriate Council policies/strategies, and with relevant internal departments, establish a review program. This would include the review of Council’s sponsorship policies taking into consideration: The level of sponsorship provided to Council from organisations/businesses that derive a substantial proportion of their income from gambling. the programs, activities and initiatives that Council supports and sponsors. Short-term 3.4 Investigate the inclusion of a Local Gaming Planning Policy in the Whittlesea Planning Scheme. Provider Research and prepare a Local Gaming Planning Policy for the Whittlesea Planning Scheme that has regard to this Strategy and Action Plan and guides the location and design of venues. Medium- term