A Melton City councillor described Monday night’s council vote on whether to give the green light to Australian Football League side Essendon’s pokies plan in the area as a "difficult situation," according to Daniel Cherny of THE AGE. Nine Melton councillors are set to vote on whether to approve a proposed 29-year lease extension, which would allow the Bombers to "continue to operate the Melton Country Club" until the end of '47. It was reported in July that Essendon was "in discussions" to prolong its lease at the venue, "where the Dons reap the profits of 89 poker machines." Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello urged the council to make a "brave decision" and reject the Essendon extension "despite a recommendation to proceed from Melton City Council legal officer Maree Stellini." Melton councillor Steve Abboushi said that he could "see both sides of the argument." He said, "It’s a difficult situation. There are lots of different views out there." Abboushi added, "I'm going to go into chamber with an open mind, having weighed up the benefits of Essendon football club being there, i.e. their community benefits program and how that assists community clubs, versus the millions of dollars the venue rips out of our community, and the need for adequate community space" (THE AGE, 12/10).
