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Controversial TAB gets green light

Chisham Avenue will be the new home of Kwinana’s TAB after Kwinana City Council approved the facility despite concerns over its location.

The council received four objections to the development from residents and business owners and a petition with over 60 signatures, but approved the facility 6-2, citing insufficient grounds to reject the motion.

Medina resident Mandy Grubb, who submitted the petition to the council, said it was not appropriate for the TAB to be located at Chisham Avenue.

‘‘The Hub is a centre for families and a gambling centre would downgrade that,’’ she said.

‘‘By locating the TAB in this area it implies gambling is OK.’’

Cr Peter Feasey said the council had worked with Racing and Wagering WA to allay any fears about its impact.

‘‘There has been an issue raised about litter and tickets and drinking at the old TAB, but the old one was next to a liquor store so I’m not sure how much we can say it was all due to the TAB,’’ he said.

‘‘And there’s no difference between a news agency and a TAB. Playing Lotto is gambling so I’m sure most people wouldn’t want those (news agencies) to be removed.’’

Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams, who voted to approve the location, said the council sought extra planning and legal advice before the vote.