The proponents of a controversial national live firing centre at Collector no longer intend to hold a public meeting about the plan.
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Instead, Australian Target Systems (ATS) will host a drop-in session for interested people this Saturday at the Collector Memorial Hall from 10 until 2pm.
The change has surprised Collector Community Association secretary Gary Poile. He told The Post a public meeting was set down for Thursday night to answer people’s many questions. However he received an email this week from the company advising it preferred a drop-in format.
“It’s raised a few eyebrows because they (ATS) say they want community engagement,” he said.
“Submissions (to Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council) are due on March 5 so for people wanting to know more, the clock is ticking. It doesn’t leave much time.”
The plan has set off a storm of controversy. ATS has applied to build a $450,000 shooting range, known as Samuel’s Run, at 2155 Collector Road. Set on a 5000-hectare property some 4km south of the village, the facility would provide training for police in lethal force and counter-terrorism operations. This will include shooting exercises such as sniper training and orienteering.
The company’s chief executive and army veteran Paul Burns says there’s a deep need for the operation in the current environment. The site was chosen partly due to its proximity to Canberra.
The development is not permitted in the
ATS did not return requests for comment on why it had opted out of a public meeting.
Mr Poile said neighbours were vehemently opposed to the range and most residents were in the dark on its details. While the development application was on public exhibition, he said much of the detail was branded ‘commercial in confidence.’
“Most of the supporting documents refer to information in (the company’s) project called the National Combatant Centre, which we can’t see,” he said.
“Bushfire impact is also detailed in the NCC standing orders. The whole thing relates to something people can’t access so it’s all a bit of a mystery story.”
Mr Poile is an RFS volunteer. He’s concerned about ATS’s plans to hold 20,000 rounds of ammunition on the property, as well as fire risk from shooting.
The document that is publicly available on the QPRC website concludes that bushfire risk can be adequately managed with mitigation measures. Further, visitors, including police and government agencies, “would be highly trained, physically able and capable individuals.”
Adding to residents’ confusion was the fact that earthworks, the firing range and roads had already been constructed and shipping containers brought in to house ammunition last year. Mr Poile said the first testing was undertaken on August 20 and more was planned before the Environmental Defenders Office intervened on behalf of residents, concerned about the noise.
“The practice runs in August were with the police riot squad and you could hear it right through the valley,” he said.
Mr Poile said while some could see the commercial benefits to existing business, others felt Collector’s hard won village reputation, including efforts devoted to building up the annual Pumpkin Festival, would alter.
“Being totally independent, all I can say is it will be a game changer,” he said.