Council backs stand on racing

By Alison Noonan
THE Cranbourne racing industry will still be plugged by City of Casey Council, despite concerns it promotes gambling.
Council officers came under fire from residents after including a flier advertising upcoming Cranbourne Turf Club race days in its 2005/06 first rates’ instalment notice in October.
Balla Balla Ward councillor Colin Butler told last Tuesday’s night’s council meeting that there was a community perception that council was “endorsing betting” through the mail outs.
“Council is certainly not promoting gambling or anything to do with gambling,” Cr Butler said.
“The racing industry is the largest employee of people in Casey and brings $21 million into our city and the Cranbourne community.
“We are simply promoting a very big and very important industry to the Cranbourne economy,” he said.
River Gum Ward councillor Wayne Smith agreed, stating the rates’ mail-out provided a perfect opportunity for council to reduce its advertising costs while informing residents about “family-friendly” community events.
“I believe there is an opportunity in the rates mail outs for advertising.
“The cost of a separate mail-out would be enormous.
“Whether you like gambling or not the racing industry is important to Casey and we need to let residents know of these events,” he said.
Communications manager Ros Britz defended council’s support of the Cranbourne Turf Club, claiming the racing industry contributed more than $21m to the local economy and employed many residents.
She said council’s sponsorship of the annual City of Casey Tricodes Race Day and the Trades Hall Family Race Day was recognition of the significant benefits the industry brought to the region.
“The City of Casey promotes these family-friendly events through a variety of avenues including newsletters, advertisements and event signage,” she said in a report to council.
Councillors moved to endorse the inclusion of promotional material advertising future Cranbourne Turf Club events with the annual rates’ notices.