By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A SHOOTING range in Pakenham is a step closer to becoming a reality as the multi-million dollar plan gets an unofficial nod of approval.
Earlier this year, Australia’s first firearm shop and on-site, multi-level indoor shooting range was proposed for Pakenham.
The facility, which is likely to be built in the industrial area south of the Princes Freeway, is due to include 10 target lanes for recreational shooters as well as a gun shop.
The man behind the state-of-the-art plan is Southern Cross Firearms (SCF) managing director Chris Moore who said all indications from Cardinia Shire Council suggest the facility will be approved.
“The council are being very supportive in helping us clarify our requirements.
“We have also received a communication stating if we’re able to meet the requirements, the council sees no reason to not support our application,” he said.
Mr Moore met the council’s co-ordinator for Economic Development Andrew Pomeroy on Monday 13 April to discuss the proposed shooting range.
“Council are now fully aware of our proposal and are expecting our application soon,” Mr Moore said.
SCF’s website revealed the range has been designed by the world’s leading indoor shooting range specialists.
It has a petition from 1400 people supporting the facility in Pakenham.
Earlier this year, Mr Moore said the number of people carrying registered firearms across the shire was growing but there is no local range available to cater to their interests – a frustration he personally experiences.
“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.
“I feel frustrated. Others must feel frustrated, too.”
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd said he does not object to a recreational shooting facility in the area provided it meets with the licensing and regulation standards.
“It needs to be in a suitable area run by suitably qualified people. If it’s operated under best practice standards, I see no issue,” he said.
He said proper storage of licensed firearms is a “massive issue” in the area but Mr Moore said his range will cover all safety requirements that come with the sport.
“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 said.
Police are currently investigating reports of rogue hunters illegally shooting game in Bunyip State Park.
Mr Moore, who is currently having environmental, acoustic and traffic engineering reports compiled in preparation for the council application, said he would hope to begin the development soon after it was approved.
“I am hopeful,” he admitted.
He said the shooting range would give back to the community by creating up to 30 local jobs.
“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,” he said.
The Gazette contacted the council to gauge its support for the proposal but it chose not to comment on the issue until an application was submitted.
Mr Moore said the community could register support or concern for the shooting range and gun shop at www.scfproject.com.au.
