Shooting clubs across Eastern Victoria are celebrating after securing funding to upgrade their facilities.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing announced that five shooting clubs across Gippsland and the Dandenong Ranges would benefit from the latest round of the Victorian Government’s Shooting Sports Facilities Program.

The following clubs will be receiving funding:

• Morwell Clay Target Club, who will receive $319,780.10 in funding to assist in building a new gun club and club house,
• Beaconsfield Pistol Club, who will receive $111,511 in funding to upgrade one of its ranges to be Competition-standard,
• Traralgon Pistol Club, who will receive $112,668 in funding towards replacing their target system to increase safety and assist elderly members with mobility issues,
• Melbourne Gun Club, who will receive $289,068.12 in funding to provide essential upgrades for the club,
• Moe Angling Field and Game, who will receive $121,070 in funding to provide additional facilities and deliver important repairs.

Additional funding will also be provided to clubs that shoot outdoors to develop an Environmental Management Plan to support them to manage their environmental obligations.

The program works to improve the quality of facilities, the sustainability of Victoria’s shooting sports clubs and their environmental practices. It also enhances shooting sports activities and programs for participants that increases their access in an inclusive and friendly environment.

Since 2014, 208 projects have benefitted from more than $13.48 million in funding that have gone on to improve the quality and sustainability of shooting sports facilities and activities across the state.

The grants provide an opportunity for clubs to boost participation, better accommodate people of all abilities and provide real pathways from the grassroots to the elite level.

From Olympic gold medallists Russell Mark and Catherine Skinner to Commonwealth Gold trap shooter Laetisha Scanlan, shooting clubs in Victoria have a strong history of nurturing local talents into world champions.

Shooting sports clubs are also a great place for locals to get together and enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation and learn about the safe and responsible use of firearms.

For more information about the program, visit https://sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants/shooting-sports-facilities-program.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“The Victorian Government’s investment in the Shooting Sports Facilities Program is helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport and enabling shooters to hone their skills and excel with modern safe facilities.”

“These grants will go a long way to helping shooting clubs promote the sport, provide a safe and welcoming community space and encourage locals to learn some great skills and practical tips about safe and responsible use of firearms.”

“Congratulations to these great clubs on securing this funding and I look forward to seeing more of these projects as they progress.”