The planning process - an exercise in haste, sloppiness and desperation

Behind closed doors

The NSW Government introduced legislation passed in June 2006 to excise 1000 ha of the Bargo Conservation area for the construction of a "Regional Shooting Complex". No notification of this legislation was given to local residents and no environmental studies were carried out into its suitability. The environmentally sensitive land preserved by in the Bargo Conservation Areas was originally destined to be included in the adjacent Nattai National Park, but the State Government jumped in first by declaring it the conservation area.

First disclosure

The first residents heard of the development was in December 2006, when a leaflet was distributed to local households (2006 Leaflet). A further leaflet was distributed in August 2007. (2007 Leaflet)

Following protests from the Hill Top Residents Action Group (HTRAG) the Government appointed an Independent Expert Panel (IHAP) which in May 2008 heard submissions from residents and other concerned groups.

Grossly Inadequate Environmental Assessment followed by the Expert Panel which went silent

All six experts commissioned by HTRAG found the Government's Environmental Assessment grossly inadequate (Expert Panel). No report from the IHAP inquiry was made available in response to concerns raised before Minister for Planning Kristina Keneally issued her approval of the complex on 26 February 2009.

The killer blow of 3A

On 28 August 2007 the then Minister for Planning Frank Sartor had declared the area a State Significant Project under the 3A legislation introduced by the Government to allow the Minister for Planning to over-ride local environmental and other planning restrictions when the project involved was "of state significance". Interestingly, one of the definitions of a State Significant Project is "when two or more shooting clubs merge", a clear pointer to the Government's desire to clear the way regardless for its commitment to the Shooters Party in return for support in the hung NSW Upper House. The issues raised around the planning process are summarized in a HTRAG planning expert's letter to the Director-General for Planning, (See P6 - 2. Matters of Process )
(Letter to DG 19 August 2008).

Community attempts to make the best of a bad job

HTRAG panning experts also sent a further letter the Director General of Planning detailing necessary conditions to deal with concerns raised by HTRAG independent experts.
(Draft Conditions of Consent).

She came, she saw, she disappeared

The new Minister for Planning Kristina Keneally visited Hill Top in December 2008 to listen to resident concerns. A letter (Letter to Minister post site visit) summarizing these concerns was sent to the minister after the meeting.

No response was received to this letter nor the concerns raised (as promised at the meeting) and on 9 February 2009 the minister issued a press release (Ministerial Media Release) announcing her approval of the development with token restrictions on use to four days a week and in daylight hours only. This press release was issued at the height of the tragic Victorian bushfires - a clever ploy to ensure the news was missed while the nation was focused on the terrible events to the south. The release was issued despite the fact that the actual approval was not given (i.e. rushed to readiness) until 26 February 2009.

Bad site, limited use, money ill-spent

The limitations on the days and hours of use only highlight the unsuitability of the site chosen - why spend so much scarce taxpayers' money on a major complex which cannot be utilized to its full potential?

The documents relating to the approval are available here

Bulldoze it before we know what's there

One of the conditions in the minister's approval was for "additional spring surveys". Yet when the HTRAG launched its court action in the Land and Environment Court, the Government sought (and gained) expedited hearing to enable it get the desired clearing done before the critical spring breeding season began in November. But no sign of or time to do the necessary additional spring surveys

Conditions to be relaxed before site built?

In May this year the Government applied to have the conditions relating to the complex in the Minister's approval softened in the following areas:

• Immediate approval of use of the current range for high-powered rifles before the measures stipulated in the approval are brought into effect. The current range is being used illegally. HTRAG has written to the Wingecarribee Shire Council seeking that such illegal use cease immediately.
• Higher power firearms
• Military use
• Noise monitoring
• Noise restrictions in the early morning
• Approvals for major shooting meets
• Fencing of the ranges and range danger areas
• Road safety improvements
• Accoustic treatments
• Power generator for emergency use
• Treatment of contaminate water run-off
• Staging of vegetation clearance
• The on-site storage of firearms and amunition

HTRAG has written objecting to these modifications (Letter to DG re modifications)

And so to court

The application of the 3A legislation to the Hill Top shooting development is currently being challenged by HTRAG in the Land and Environment Court.

Shooters Party reigns supreme

The Government is clearly prepared to ride roughshod over even its own conditions for the site to deliver the shooting complex to the Shooters Party, who have threatened to block the sale of NSW Lotteries so essential for the Government's budget finances.