Clubs expect to be hit hard

ClubsNSW has released statistics that show registered clubs across the Peninsula are expecting to be hit hard if a new tax on gaming machines comes into effect.

The new tax, scheduled to come into effect as of September 1 this year, could result in significant job losses and increased fees for club amenities and scaling back community contributions, according to Clubs NSW.

The figures suggested that job losses for up to 219 employees of either clubs or suppliers to clubs in the Peats electorate, which encompasses much of the Peninsula, would occur over the next seven years as a consequence of the gaming tax increase.

Seven clubs in the Peninsula region risk being affected due to the changes.

They are Woy Woy Leagues Club, Woy Woy Bowling Club, Everglades Bowling Club, Club Umina, the Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club, Ettalong Beach Club and Hardys Bay RSL.

In addition the measures are expected to result in the loss of an estimated total of 1193 full time jobs in the Central Coast region and a total of 24,000 job losses across the state.

The figures and estimates of the job losses and the wider impact of the gaming tax increases were based on a report prepared for ClubsNSW by the Sydney-based Allen Consulting Group.

A recent ClubsNSW media release noted that, as a consequence of the gaming tax, "clubs are already increasing prices for meals, drinks, memberships and other items".

Owen Lewis, May 11