By Bonny Burrows
The man behind a proposal for Australia’s first firearms shop and on-site educational indoor shooting range is confident that Pakenham-based project will come to fruition, as a crucial funding deadline looms.
Southern Cross Firearms Managing Director Chris Moore has spent the last three years working on getting the 50-metre shooting range, mooted for an industrial area south of the Princes Freeway, funded and past planning approval.
The father-of-four got Cardinia Shire Council’s okay for the development in March 2016 and released an investment proposal in November.
But the challenges of the unique project brings means Mr Moore is about 50 per cent short of the required multi-million dollar private investment – and a 31 March deadline is looming.
After that point, he will reassess his funding options, including the possibility of opening investment to the general public.
“Because it’s the first of its kind in Australia people are struggling to get their heads around the concept,” Mr Moore said.
“And it’s really difficult to prove or provide evidence (of its potential success) as it’s the first of its kind.”
Plans for the facility include 10 x 50 metre indoor shooting lanes catering up to and including 7.62mm calibre, pistol and centrefire rifles, a firearm shop, club lounge and cafe.
Mr Moore also plans to offer a selection of classroom-style courses and exams for shooters of all abilities.
“We’re here to grow the sport and promote it,” Mr Moore said.
“The whole idea is about getting people involved with a facility by the people for the people.”
If developed, it would be the only firearms dealer between Dandenong and Morwell, and meet a “strong local demand”.
Driven by “a selfish desire to give my kids the same opportunities I had”, Mr Moore said the range would provide a safe and secure, all-weather environment to practice the sport.
There is no indoor shooting range in Victoria, despite shooting needing near-perfect conditions.
Mr Moore put this down to a lack of initiative.
“It’s a shame we don’t have indoor facilities in Victoria, given the weather conditions that come in here,” he said.
“That’s what the market is asking for; to enjoy the sport in an indoor, undercover environment where people can rock up no matter the day, and that’s what I want to provide.“
A construction timeline has not yet been determined as it is subject to funding.
For more information about the proposal or to contact Mr Moore regarding investment, visit www.scfproject.com.au
