By Rowan Forster
Mystery shrouds the inclusion of a gun range at the recently approved Pakenham motorsports precinct, with firearm enthusiasts fearful the component will be shelved.
Cardinia Shire has been tight-lipped about the initially proposed clay target facilities in recent months, sparking concern throughout sports shooting circles.
A number of attendees at 23 July’s special council meeting were left frustrated and unassured, with no mention made of the gun range.
Dennis Jacks, part of the Southern Cross Firearms (SCF) community, worries he and fellow shooters have been snubbed.
“It seems to be all about the cars now, even though thousands of us are desperate for a facility in the south-east,” he said.
“Somewhere along the way we’ve been forgotten about.
“All I’ve been hearing is to wait and we’ll hear something – but the longer we wait the more we’re overlooked.”
The Gazette asked Cardinia Shire if the touted shooting facilities are still a part of the masterplan, but received no reply.
It coincides with a crackdown from Victoria Police on illegal hunters trespassing and slaughtering deer in Bunyip State Park.
The shooting range development has been in the pipeline since 2014, with SCF managing director Chris Moore getting an unofficial nod of approval from council in 2015.
Initial plans proposed the facility included 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.
It would be the only firearms dealer between Dandenong and Morwell.
When the Cardinia Shire motorsports precinct and clay target range was first announced, Mr Moore revealed his facility was separate.
“Tthis proposal is much bigger than my original indoor shooting range project and this is a separate project to mine, but the important thing is we’re all working together to grow the sports we love and enjoy,” he said.
Nick Curtis, who drove from Maribyrnong to attend Cardinia Shire’s latest meeting, said he was disappointed the vision of firearm enthusiasts had seemingly been overlooked.
“Considering the meeting was purely about this facility, you’d think they would cover all bases,” he said.
“Maybe they’ve changed their mind about the clay target facility and are hoping people will forget about it.”
Steering committees involving council, both local motorsports clubs and other proponents continue to be held to shape the precinct.
