A PROPOSED Mildura casino has been described as like a cancer that would eat away at smaller outlying communities.

Robinvale-based Swan Hill Rural City councillor John Katis yesterday said that while the proposed facility could be an economic boon for Mildura, from a social welfare point of view it would be disastrous.

Cr Katis said a casino would draw people from throughout the region at a cost to already-established local clubs and pubs.

“I don’t believe that overall it would be good for the region,” Cr Katis said.

“People around Mildura would be up there every second day and I couldn’t image what that would mean for clubs like those at Robinvale and Euston, not to mention those in Mildura.”

“Those clubs are already struggling to survive in difficult economic times while still putting money back into the community.

“Mildura is already a beautiful, fantastic town, why do they want to put a casino there for the sake of a few dollars.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Thursday’s Sunraysia Daily 5/11/2009.