Survey Results: How would you use the range
The results are in
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent survey about Range Usage. The survey is now closed and the results have been reviewed.
With your help, we have been able to prioritise different segments of the planned ranges to meet the needs of our visitors. Overall, 96% of respondents favored rifle-based activities over all others with shotgun and pistols receiving 61% and 56% respectively.
As such we’ve prepared the overview below of what our plan for development will be to deliver “Approved Ranges” at the site.
Stage 1 – Multipurpose 1000 Yard benchrest range
This process involves rebuilding the existing range and widening it to 35 meters (around 39 yards) with an undercover shooting position providing benchrest facilities out to 1000 yards. The range will also be developed to allow pistol and shotgun competitions to take place as well as firearm training & instructional use.
This stage also involved the construction of a car park and amenities for visitors; such as toilets and a range office.
Stage 2 – Multipurpose 500 Metre benchrest range
The 500 Metre range will be a metric-based range for disciplines like metallic silhouettes and fly shoots that range out to 500m. Built parallel to the 1000 yard range, this will double the capacity at Dunmore for pistol, rifle, and shotgun competitions.
Stage 3 – Pistol & Shotgun ranges
This stage will involve the development of independent ranges for pistol and shotgun competitions. At present, there are 4 ranges for each discipline (8 in total) planned. Shotgun ranges will be built in a southern-facing direction to suit several disciplines. In regards to the pistol ranges; the intention is to allow for dedicated IPSC, ICORE, and Steel Challenge courses to be installed as well as ISSF-style facilities.
Stage 4 – Approved Long-range targets.
While we can provide some practice-style long-range targets throughout the build; one of the most challenging components is to have “Approved Ranges” measuring beyond the 1-mile mark. Working with our ballistic engineers, we know that the 1-mile mark (know as Lyle’s Knob) and the 3000m distance can be approved in time.
The project overall
As we have said previously, Rome was not built in a day (and the Romans did not have environmental impact studies to contend with). Regardless of whether you’re planning a car park or a BBQ pit, there are huge demands to be met on all levels of government these days and all come at a cost.
To become an “Approved Range”, we need an approved Development Application from the local council. So far we have had ecologists, geologists, engineers, earthworks specialists, and a dozen more check the site for suitability and all indications are good. We also have State and Federal support for our development. The next tasks involve finalising our plans and meeting with the Toowoomba Regional Council to discuss a Development Application.
In terms of budget, the expenditure to date is around the $30,000 mark with an estimated cost to finalise the DA in excess of $100,000 just for Stage 1 (based on assessment fees of $3 per m2 of associated external use areas). Once we pass this hurdle then construction can begin.
The wheels of progress grind slow but we will keep you updated as we move forward.