SSAA NSW

opinion and decisions affecting shooting sports, recreational hunting and firearms ownership. The allocation of resources to ranges coupled with the engagement of professional town planners with expertise in development applications has resulted in DA approval for the range development on our Lucknow property at Dubbo. Using the lessons learned from this experience, we have employed the same strategy to work towards achieving a positive result for our Hardacres property in Armidale and also for the development of another range complex in Temora, south west NSW. Recognising the crucial importance of range facilities to the longevity of our sport, the SSAA NSW Board is developing a Range Acquisition, Development and Management Strategy. The strategy identifies the importance of future proofing existing ranges. During the year SSAA NSW provided the funding to have the access road upgraded for the range owned by our Gunnedah Branch. Funding was also previously provided to assist with work completed by Wagga Wagga Branch to convert their range to a limited danger range. Range development and improvement is another important component. Over the past eight years SSAA NSW has provided $564,000 to Branches and Affiliate Clubs through Development Grants to complete numerous projects to upgrade their facilities and improve the experience for members and visitors attending the range. The Range Review Committee was established in 2016 and has undertaken a review of restrictive template issues. The Committee is now reviewing the Range Users Guide. Hunting and conservation is a core member activity. SSAA NSW has removed the requirement for members to pay an additional fee to access these activities; thus making access to the numerous opportunities offered through SSAA NSW now open to all members wanting to participate. The three year trial of the NPWS Supplementary Pest Control Program has been completed. The independent evaluation undertaken by the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) identifies it as a successful program that should be continued. A standout of the program has been the demonstrated success of a positive cooperative teamwork between two organisations. SSAA NSW's rational and pragmatic approach to pest animal management has fostered positive working relationships with Government agencies and other bodies; this approach has in turn delivered new opportunities for members. SSAA NSW, in conjunction with our Port Macquarie Branch, is working with Local Land Services on their Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy. Interest from other LLS regions for pest animal management projects are currently being explored. Our relationship with Devil Ark has delivered an exclusive arrangement whereby SSAA NSW will coordinate the pest management activities for their new initiative, Aussie Ark. Delivering yet another hunting opportunity for our members. The Farmer Assist program is identified by the NRC as an example of a community based program that is designed to foster relationships between landholders and hunters. NSW Farmers will promote the program in their member newsletter and SSAA NSW will be exhibiting at their conference in July. The 2017 Junior Target Shooting camp was yet again an outstanding success, with 20 juniors attending from all over the state. The camp introduced juniors to a variety of disciplines to broaden their horizons as well as reinforcing the importance of safety. Demand is continually growing and we're currently working on expanding the opportunities to include hunting, bushcraft, coaching and mentoring. Interest in affiliation with SSAA NSW from shooting clubs increased dramatically during 2017. Whilst there were varying reasons for the interest, feedback points to the grass roots focus of SSAA NSW and its support of clubs to service their members at the local level as being a very appealing factor. Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 5

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