Council backs Euroa Hotel revamp despite pokies fears

The Mayor of the Strathbogie Shire, Deb Swan, says the council is confident a $1.5 million hotel development will be an appropriate boost to Euroa, despite the introduction of 30 gaming machines.

The poker machines will be included in the new bistro area in the Euroa Hotel, which will also have its ground floor extended, an upgraded beer garden, extended liquor licence and extra car parking, in the transformation.

There were 38 objections to the project.

Councillor Swan says the council thought long and hard before approving the planning application.

She says she is confident the operator, the community and the council can work together to ensure problem gambling does not become an issue.

"The concerns are of course are that Euroa is a smaller community, say a captured type of community, and that the issues of problem gambling may be increased due to this but ... we also have to take into account opportunities for employment," she said.

Source: ABC News, 26 November 2013