05-07-2025
Vikings Group's proposed club with 160 poker machines in Jerrabomberra rejected by Planning Portal
A proposed $33 million club which would have introduced 160 poker machines to a regional NSW town has been rejected by the NSW Planning Portal.
ACT-based Vikings Group filed a development application to build Poplars Viking Club in Jerrabomberra in NSW neighbouring the ACT.
The NSW Southern Regional Planning Panel received 66 submissions opposed to the project, which was also not supported by the local Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.
The proposal included 160 poker machines that would have been installed in the region that has the highest gambling losses per person in NSW outside of greater Sydney and which neighbours onto the ACT, where gambling regulations are stricter.
The panel refused the application because noise compliance could only be achieved with "a swath of noise management measures" that could lead to "ongoing regulatory compliance", the determination said.
The decision also said the panel considered the club's "use incompatible with adjoining development".
The proposed venue was 50 metres from homes and planned to operate until 3am every day.
Jerrabomberra resident Anna Murton has lived just 50 metres from the proposed development for 20 years and welcomed the panel's decision.
"Generally, it's quiet and it's a beautiful place to live," she said.
"We think it's the right decision.
"We're stoked.
"It's an unsuitable location."
Ms Murton was most worried about the "enormous" size of the development, the aspect with windows looking onto her house and the noise the development would create.
While Ms Murton knows the site opposite her house will be developed at some point, she just wants something that is less disruptive for families living nearby.
Vikings Group CEO Anthony Hill said he was disappointed by the decision.
"Our vision for this project has always been grounded in local benefit, and that commitment hasn't changed," Mr Hill said in a statement after the decision.
The statement said the Vikings Club would take time to consider the reasons for refusal, consult with stakeholders and explore potential next steps.
"At the very outset, we will not go where we are not wanted and we stand by that," Mr Hill told the panel in May 2025.
