Northern Beaches Council has adopted the Gambling and Poker Machine Harm Management Policy and Plan, which is designed to limit the negative impact of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) on the community.

Acting Chief Executive Officer David Kerr said Council’s focus would be on advocacy and community education.

“Council believes by working with the State Government and local clubs, we can help minimise the harm caused by poker machines,” Mr Kerr said.

“We will look at how we can complement other activities and get a strong message to our community about how much harm these machines can do.

“And also provide guidance on where people can turn should they find themselves heading down a difficult path.

Council’s plan calls for continued lobbying of State and Federal Ministers to do more to reduce harm.

The draft Gambling and Poker Machine Harm Management Policy and Plan went to public exhibition for several months beginning in May and was adopted by Council at Tuesday night’s Council meeting.

The plan will be in force to 2023 with a review scheduled for that year.