COUNCILS are at odds with the state government over shut-down periods and $1 bet limits on poker machines.

The Municipal Association of Victoria made a resolution at the last state council meeting to lobby for $1-a-push bet limits, extended shut down periods for gaming machines and extended regional caps.

The Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform made similar recommendations to the federal government last month.

But Victorian Gaming Minister Michael O’Brien said the state government would not implement any of the proposals in the resolution.

Currently a $5 bet limit applies to all gaming machines in Victoria except those at Crown Casino, which have a $10 bet limit.

Mr O’Brien said bet limits in Victoria were the equal lowest in Australia and the government had “no current plans to adjust bet limits or shut-down periods”.

He also said the government would maintain existing regional caps and spend $150 million to set up the new independent Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.

MAV President Bill Macarthur said local government had an important advocacy role on gambling regulation.

“Gambling affects the local community so local government has been involved in the community debate for quite some time,” he said.

Whittlesea Responsible Gaming Forum chairman, Councillor Sam Alessi said the council unanimously endorsed a similar motion months ago to advocate for the government to restrict access to gaming machines.

‘‘These proposals would make a big difference in giving people a chance to have a break and think about what they’re doing, which is very important for problem gamblers,’’ Cr Alessi said.

Cr Alessi said many of the issues raised in the Whittlesea Responsible Gaming Forum charter had now been implemented.

“Not only do I think local government can make a difference, it’s been proven that we can.”