No pokie features in this town

The quiet Victorian town of Beechworth is taking a stance against pokies, fearing the introduction of gambling machines may threaten the local economy.

Community groups, local business and council are rallying together with one clear message "the people of Beechworth don't want pokies".

The laid-back town is known for its connections to Ned Kelly, and it is one of the few country towns that remain free from poker machines.

Rob Ransom is one of the many townsfolk fighting to keep the pokies out.

"If the pokies come to Beechworth, it could lose its innocence, in the sense of its country charm and what we offer here," he said.

Rob claimed almost half of the town's population struggles to make ends meet.

"The last thing they need is to be tempted with a pokie machine venue in our township," he said.

Four years ago, the proprietor of Tanswell's Commercial Hotel applied to the government for a gaming licence, but people-power saw to it that he did not install poker machines.

Now he is renewing the licence and the community fears he will try to introduce pokies to their town.

Indigo Shire Councillor, John Costello, said the council has listened to the community and is taking a stand against poker machines in the shire.

"The concerns are the social issues that are evident from poker machines, problem gambling, issues like that," he said.

"We've got an opportunity where we haven't got them, so why introduce further problems?"

Some local shopkeepers are worried visitors may spend money on gambling instead of in their shops.

Poker machines are in other towns just 20 minutes away, but locals said that makes the pokies a social outing, rather than a habit.