Headline: Council’s good work will be undone by SkyCity deal
The good work being done by local government looks set to be unravelled due to the Key Government’s SkyCity deal.
Auckland Council is to be congratulated on its sinking lid policy which will curb the number of pokies in the Auckland region, Green Party gambling spokesperson Denise Roche said today.
The Auckland Council today voted to minimise the harm caused by gambling in Auckland by gradually reducing the number of pokie machines in Auckland.
“The Auckland public are overwhelmingly supportive of having fewer pokie machines in their communities,” said Ms Roche.
“Today’s decision by the Auckland Council means a sinking lid policy on pokie machines that will cover from Franklin to Rodney.
“This is the biggest area ever covered by a sinking lid policy.
“99% of the 10,340 submitters supported a sinking lid policy to minimise gambling harm.
“The good work being done by local government looks set to be unravelled due to the Key Government’s SkyCity deal.
“The Government needs to take note of Aucklander’s concerns regarding pokie machines and stop the pokies-for-convention-centre deal with the casino.
“The Government’s deal will give SkyCity 230 more pokie machines, as well as an increase in gaming tables and other concessions.
“The increase in gambling opportunities at the casino will lead to gambling related harm for the wider Auckland community.
“Aucklanders need to mobilise against this dirty deal and make sure their voice is heard as the legislation allowing SkyCity to get more pokie machines goes through the select committee process,” Ms Roche said.
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