Did you know that the Peninsular Firearm Academy in Terrey Hills plans to drastically change the shooting range’s operational hours? After ten years of operation, the Academy wants to expand from one Sunday session per month to five sessions per week, including an evening session, and some locals are not happy with the proposed change.
Under the new plan, the shooting range would be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an extra session on Wednesday nights from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., if authorised. In order to minimise noise disturbances to nearby households, the proposal contains an 85dB noise restriction.
The 500 participants of the Academy would be accommodated and existing site constraints would be addressed in the proposed plan.
The increased use of the facility would put it in line with other outdoor recreational pursuits, including lawn bowls, equestrian sports, skateboarding, and go-karting, according to plans presented to Council.
Neighbours of the range have expressed worries about noise pollution, the consequences it may have on the environment, and possible repercussions on property prices.
Tony Garland, Chairman of the Academy, maintains that the main source of the resistance comes from people who have not even been to the premises and that have been no responses to his requests for residents to view the institution in order to alleviate their concerns.
He said that the Academy is dedicated to encouraging target shooting as a sport and the responsible use of firearms inspite of the controversy.