UPDATE: The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has just released documents revealing that JDA Hotels is pushing for 70 electronic gaming machines at the Huon Hill Hotel in Wodonga, despite a state freeze on new poker machines. The application comes as a renewed call for community submissions has been issued, placing significant pressure on local residents to voice their opinions.
This urgent move follows the withdrawal of an earlier proposal for 75 machines, which faced backlash from the Wodonga Council. JDA Hotels, co-owned by John Feros, claims the new application would generate approximately $4,159,540 annually, although this is a reduction from the $4,456,650 projected with the larger machine count.
The council had previously expressed its opposition to the original application, with a decisive vote led by Deputy Mayor Michelle Cowan. Following the June 23 council meeting, where 40 submissions were collected—of which 38 were against—the council has now opened a new submission process specifically for the revised application.
Residents have until August 6 to submit their feedback regarding the new proposal on the Make Wodonga Yours website. The council emphasized that submissions should focus on the application’s impact on local community wellbeing, both socially and economically.
In a related development, the Victorian government has announced an account-based trial for gaming machines set to commence from September 2025, across 43 venues in Monash, Greater Dandenong, and Ballarat. This trial will require players to use a YourPlay card and set loss limits, reflecting the state’s commitment to minimize gambling harm.
According to a spokesperson for the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, there are currently 26,258 active poker machines across Victoria, firmly under the state cap of 27,372 machines until 2042. The VGCCC noted that this figure may fluctuate due to maintenance or renovations.
The Huon Hill Hotel’s transformation into a gaming venue is estimated to require $6 million in capital works expenditures, a figure that underscores the scale of this proposal.
After the public submissions are reviewed, JDA Hotels will have to present its case at a VGCCC hearing in Melbourne, with the date yet to be confirmed. The community’s response will play a crucial role in determining the future of this application, and residents are urged to voice their opinions promptly.
As discussions unfold, the clock is ticking for local stakeholders to ensure their views are heard in this pivotal moment for Wodonga. The outcome could reshape the community’s landscape and spark significant economic consequences.
