The Atherton Rifle Range in Far North Queensland is likely to continue operating for civilian shooting, despite the Australian Defence Force planning to divest itself of the facility, according to Katter’s Australian Party MP for Hill Shane Knuth.
The Australian Defence Force has announced plans to sell off or otherwise divest 67 properties around Australia as part of cost- and maintenance-reducing exercises.
Several rifle ranges are on the list, including the one at Atherton – which prompted concerns from the regional community about what would happen to the civilian shooting clubs which also operate on the 124ha range, which was established more than 125 years ago.
Mr Knuth said he had been working with both the Defence Department and the Queensland Government to ensure the Atherton Rifle Club and Atherton Clay Target Club could continue to operate at the range, which was also used by local rifle and shotgun shooters, Defence Cadets, Queensland Police and other community groups.
“The Atherton Rifle Club has been operating at the range since around 1900, and the range itself includes distances up to 1000 yards, making it the longest-range facility in Far North Queensland,” he said.
“This facility has played an important role in sporting shooting, training and community events on the Tablelands for generations.”
The Atherton Clay Target Club regularly hosts competitions attracting shooters from across Queensland and Australia, providing an important economic benefit to local businesses and the Atherton Tablelands community in the process.
Mr Knuth said he had also met with Queensland Natural Resources Minister Dale Last, who had “given his full support to ensuring a smooth transition once Defence relinquishes its lease.”
“The Minister has committed to working with Defence to ensure any transitional issues, including potential costs, are addressed so the range can continue operating safely and sustainably for many years to come,” Mr Knuth said.
Federal KAP MP for Kennedy Bob Katter has also been involved in lobbying the Commonwealth Defence Minister, Richard Marles, over the issue, and working to ensure the range remains operational for shooters in the region.
“After receiving the response from Defence and meeting with the Minister for Natural Resources, I am confident that the Atherton Rifle Range will continue operating in its current form and that its future will be secured long-term,” Mr Knuth said.
“This range has been part of the Tablelands community for more than a century. Bob Katter and I will do everything possible to ensure it continues serving the region for another 100 years.”
There is no confirmed timeframe for the divestment and the Commonwealth Government has committed to engaging with existing tenants as part of the divestment process.
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