While some are remaining tightlipped when discussing the matter, others have spoken about opportunities the facility could bring to the district.

All said they recognised the social impacts such a venue could have on the district.

Deputy mayor Susan Nichols said commenting would make her ineligible to vote on the issue if it came to council.

“At this stage we’ve received no application, we’ve received no notification, we’ve received no plans,” Cr Nichols said.

“We haven’t even had a presentation.”

She said the proposal may even bypass council and be decided by State Government because of the enormity of the proposed planning application.

Cr Nichols said so far council had not heard from any organisations supporting the venture, but many who did not back it.

While Cr Hilton-Wood said she was undecided, she did say council should pounce at the opportunity to secure annual funding of more than $1 million from developers for community organisations – should the casino be built.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Saturday’s Sunraysia Daily 21/11/2009.