Securing A Win For Shooting Ranges

Following representations that I made to the NSW Planning Minister, Tony Kelly, regarding the protection of existing shooting facilities from development encroachment, I'm pleased to report that we have had a win.

The Minister has now signed off on a Local Planning Direction under S.117(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, that provide a huge measure of protection to existing Shooting ranges in NSW from encroachment by developments, or re-zonings, that may in turn effect the operation of those ranges.

These instruments prevent a Local Planning Authority ( eg., a Local Council) from re-zoning land adjacent to shooting ranges, where such a re-zoning would allow development that is "incompatible with the noise emitted by the existing shooting range". Similar LDPs apply to other facilities such as airports or aerodromes, where noise is a factor.

This initiative is long overdue, particularly given the increasing number of ranges that are having restrictions imposed because of urban expansion. Illawarra Gun club is an example, where a club has been forced to relocate, due to this very problem.

Clubs are encouraged to contact our Parliamentary office in Sydney, if they encounter any problems with their Local Government, or other authorising authority.

Please also let us know immediately if the NSW Police Firearms Registry tries to alter or amend the licence conditions on your range. We are seeing a growing problem with restrictions being placed upon ranges for no obvious or indeed valid reasons.

It is important that all shooting clubs familiarise themselves with this new "protection".