One of the most prominent shooting ranges in NSW has been handed over by the state government to SSAA NSW, which has plans to develop and expand the facility.
What’s now called the SSAA NSW Hill Top Shooting Complex, located an hour and a half south of Sydney near Mittagong, has had a problematic existence over the past five years under the NSW Office of Sport, including through COVID restrictions and later being shut down unexpectedly.
There was a cloud over its future until the government announced four months ago that SSAA NSW had been chosen to take over.
Shooters now hope to see Hill Top flourish under its new management. A dedicated website has been set up to showcase the site.
During the official handover last Saturday, 22 November, SSAA NSW announced its commitment to develop Hill Top as a “showcase facility” which would include training programs, community events and education.
The organisation intends to capitalise on existing opportunities to extend the ranges beyond the current 50m, 500m and 800m, and add new disciplines to those already being shot there.
SSAA NSW is yet to implement any firm plans, with many questions yet to be answered, but an FAQ page on the Hill Top website provides a good picture of the current situation regarding who is using the site, fees, times and other matters.
“The SSAA NSW Hill Top Shooting Complex strengthens our mission to provide safe places to shoot and ensures that responsible participation can continue to grow in NSW,” said SSAA NSW president Lance Miller.
“We’re grateful for the support of the NSW government and proud to work alongside our SSAA NSW team who make facilities like this possible.”
SSAA NSW CEO Peter Szaak said the range would become “part of a broader strategy to strengthen community access to shooting sports, enhance safety standards, and support sustainable participation across metropolitan and regional NSW.”
The handover was officially completed by Minister for Sport Steve Kamper, who fired the ceremonial first shot on the range under its new stewards.
Independent MP for Wollondilly Judy Hannan was also present.
“I know regional centres that provide safe access to shooters’ sport are very popular, particularly in Wollondilly which is home to the bronze-medal winning, pistol-packing mama of the 1984 Olympics, Paddie Dench,” she said.
“With the continuation of this complex I am hopeful we’ll see future award-winning shooters come from Wollondilly and I look forward to the bright future of the complex under SSAA NSW.”
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