WARWICK punters lost $966,766 in the region's poker machines in March - a figure that blows out to a staggering $11.6 million over 12 months.

The monthly spree also was $54,000 more than our punters lost in February.

The money was put into 356 poker machines located at 13 venues across our region.

The multi-million dollar punt has shocked and surprised Warwick which is quick to point out what could be done for the community were that money directed elsewhere.

Rates would come down, tourism prospects would go up, the city's homeless could be housed and mental health services could run under the one roof.

Southern Downs mayor Peter Blundell described the amount thrown away each year as "horrific".

"We, as a council, spend a great deal of time lobbying other government agencies for grants and funding based on the fact that we are a low socio-economic area," he said.

"To find out that the community is spending this much money on gambling is a bit beyond belief."

Cr Blundell who, along with the rest of the council, is in the middle of budget considerations, said the $11 million would easily solve the council's debt issues.

"We are under a great deal of pressure to have at least a zero dollar bottom line and a surplus if possible," he said.

"This means we are making cuts to other areas.

"Eleven million dollars would almost put the council back into surplus and it would certainly get us out of debt."

In an ideal world Cr Blundell said the money could be used to re-seal roads across the region and build new infrastructure to benefit the whole community.

The prospect of having $11 million added to her annual tourism budget made Warwick Tourism and Events CEO Tracy Vellacott's eyes light up.

Mrs Vellacott said the money could be used to ensure that regional attractions such as Glengallan Homestead and the Warwick Historical Society Museum Complex remained open.

She would also put funds into purchasing event infrastructure such as a specialised portable rolling stage.

Other projects include upgrading the Warwick Town Hall with new dressing rooms, sound and lighting equipment and a commercial grade kitchen.

Mrs Vellacott said the large sum of money would go a long way to developing the railway precinct as a must-see attraction.

"It would include a visitor centre, art gallery, coffee shop and be an arts and cultural hub," she said.

"It has also been suggested that the Rodeo Heritage Centre could be relocated to this precinct as well.

"It would be incredible to see all these groups in one fantastic historical precinct working together and getting travellers moving from one attraction to the other."

Mrs Vellacott said some funds could also be used to refurbish the railway station.

"How sad is it that this community has a wonderful steam train but the platform it leaves from is decrepit, whilst other stations like Toowoomba and Wallangarra are rail tourism attractions with no train homed there," she said.

Lieutenant Corps Officer with Warwick Salvation Army Steve Spencer said the $11 million could in theory house the region's homeless for a year.

"That money could mean that there would be no one sleeping on the street this winter," he said.

"It could feed every family struggling in the region for a year or house 10 to 15 drug or alcohol dependant people for 12 months."

Lt Spencer said the massive sum of money could also be used to build 50 new

affordable houses for those people struggling to get by on their pensions.

Suicide prevention advocate Jonno Felton said there were many ways $11 million could benefit the Warwick community.

"But what we really need in Warwick is a one-stop shop for mental health," he said.

"You could just have one building with an office for a PTSD centre for our paramedics, emergency services employees and our soldiers."

There also could be an office for a drug and alcohol rehab psychologist, a psychologist for those dealing with depression and anxiety and a cafe.

Mr Felton said a part of the centre could help people with gambling problems. The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation distributes revenue from gaming taxes to various non-for-profit community groups.

Last month's Warwick pokie losses could buy

•  386, 706 loaves of bread
•  323,333 bottles of 2 litre full cream milk
•  138,109kg of lady finger bananas
•  161,666kg of granny smith apples
•  96,676 boxes of 11 pack nappies