Sign the Petition Letter for further studies to be carried out for the school
The Minister for Education
The Hon. Verity Firth
Parliament House
Macquarie Street Sydney
New South Wales 2000
Dear Minister,
We have concerns regarding the impact on the Hill Top school of the approved development and expansion of the existing Hill Top Rifle Range, to be called and become the Southern Highlands Regional Shooting Complex. The expanded complex will have 224 shooting positions as opposed to the 7 shooting positions at the present range. Gun shots can be heard in the township of Hill Top from the current range. The significantly increased number of shooters will certainly increase the regularity of shots discharged and the resulting noise. The size and intended use of the Complex for competitions will attract a more frequent use and use of high velocity weapons. The operational hours would include school weekdays. The current range is small with only 7 firing positions the use is only weekends at present. However given the new size of the approved Regional Shooting Complex to contain 224 firing positions and parking for 180 motor vehicles, the sound level, frequency of its use and traffic will have a substantial impact on the small community during school hours.
Our concerns are that inadequate studies have been performed on weapon discharge sound impacts and motor traffic movements through the small township. The sound of gun shots can be heard in central Hill Top. Levels relate to weather conditions, frequency and calibre of the weapons used. We believe the substantial increase of the number of shots that can be fired; the broad increase of shooters from beyond the local area, the attraction of more powerful weapons and operational hours will impact greatly on the travel safety of our children and their ability to learn in an unimpeded learning environment.
We call on you, the Minister for Education, to have the Roads and Traffic Authority assess vehicle and pedestrian safety and the Environmental Protection Authority conduct adequate and itemised noise and impact assessments in and around the school with all findings to be addressed and implemented prior to any commencement of the project.
Yours Sincerely