Multi-million dollar indoor gun range plan for Pakenham mooted…
PAKENHAM is in the sights of a gun enthusiast who wants to build Australia’s first firearms shop featuring an on-site, multi-level indoor shooting range.
Southern Cross Firearms managing director Chris Moore said early designs for the multi-million dollar Pakenham facility included 10 shooting lanes that would be 50m long.
Mr Moore, who comes from a background in IT, hopes to build the centre within an industrial zoned area, with several business parks south of the Princes Freeway identified.
SCF’s website reveals the range has been designed by the world’s leading indoor shooting range specialists.
Mr Moore said he was frustrated at the lack of facilities to purchase, service, repair and safely use firearms and hoped to apply to Cardinia Shire Council for a permit within the next six to 12 months.
“It’s certainly something out of left field,“ he said.
“Its purpose is to service the industry within our region as well as promote and support safe and responsible use, ethical hunting and competition shooting.
“A facility such as this would provide a safe and secure environment for people to use their firearms.
“One of our biggest areas of focus will be education, and our proposed facility will facilitate classroom-style training and education that will be dedicated to teaching people about firearm safety.”
He expected the business to be popular within the shire.
“As of December 2013, there were 30,000 registered firearms within the Cardinia Shire and this number is expected to increase as our region continues to develop and grow,” he said.
“There are no firearm dealers between Dandenong and Morwell, which means firearm owners within our region need to travel long distances to purchase firearms and related supplies.”
He said community interest was strong with SCF’s website having almost 15,000 visits since December.
“In this short period of time, we’ve also received 120 expressions of interest from people keen to purchase a yearly membership,” he said.
“New employment opportunities will be created and a business like this could appeal to a lot of interstate and overseas travellers which could help drive economic activity in the area.”
Mr Moore said he had consulted with the EPA and acoustic control experts over his plans.
“When the time comes, we’ll go to the market for funding and look for a developer to construct our facility,“ he said.
Mr Moore said he was calling for the community to register either support or concern for the idea at www.scfproject.com.au/
