In Mildura yesterday, Nationals leader Peter Ryan said the decision on the proposed $400 million Mildura Jewel Casino complex solely rested with the state’s Premier.

“It lies entirely in John Brumby’s hands,” he said.

“He can trigger the process of whether we have another casino in Victoria – he can do it this afternoon.”

However, the ALP’s Mildura branch president Ken Carr – who yesterday independently endorsed the proposed complex and casino – said the State Government had always indicated support toward the project, if there was agreement across the board.

“We do see some negative aspects about the casino,” he said.

“But having looked around Mildura, and seeing all those empty shops and hundreds of dead vines, we think that the benefits far outweigh the negative aspects.

“It just seems quite logical that a place like Mildura in its current state of uncertainty really needs a major investment.

“The branch would like to see the government set up a Mildura Riverfront Development authority to determine where things are built along the riverfront.”

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Wednesday’s Sunraysia Daily 08/09/2010.