SSAA NSW

4 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. From Diana's Desk SSAA NSW continues to lead the way SSAA NSW continues to lead the way, building strong foundations to ensure the long-term viability of the Association as well as the shooting sports generally. The past year has seen SSAA NSW build on its previous achievements and deliver more benefits for our large and diverse membership. EVIDENCE-BASED FOUNDATIONS… SSAA NSW prides itself on using evidence-based positions and arguments supported by credible information and statistics to counter claims based on emotion and hype. In turn, our expectation is that evidence-based decision making will be utilised to achieve effective laws and policies. In order to effectively advocate on behalf of SSAA NSW, our members and our sport, it is essential that our strategies are based on these principles. The principle of an evidence-based approach extends beyond our advocacy and representation activities and underpins everything that we do; both internally and externally. The following Board endorsed position statements reinforce the stance of SSAA NSW. These, along with our evidence-based approach, continue to further strengthen SSAA NSW's reputation as the State's peak body for the shooting sports, recreational hunting and firearms ownership. GROWING OUR SPORT… Being the largest and most diverse shooting body in New South Wales, means that SSAA NSW is multi-faceted and in the unique position of being able to offer access to all shooting activities including target shooting for rifle, pistol and shotgun as well as recreational hunting and collecting. Ranges Feedback indicates that access to ranges is the second highest ranking membership benefit. SSAA NSW has the 'runs on the board' when it comes to facilitating, funding, developing and protecting range facilities in NSW. A record that no other shooting body can match. Funding the development of new and existing range facilities presents a constant challenge. SSAA NSW invests significant financial and human resources into providing and sustaining suitable facilities to meet member expectations. Current projects include: • an international-standard range complex in Dubbo that will cater for all SSAA disciplines, will be available for all shooting clubs to utilise and will incorporate an education facility as part of its final stage to replace the underutilised Tilterweira, • a multi-use range facility at Temora that will cater for centrefire rifle, pistol and shotgun disciplines, • upgrades of the Hay and Forbes range facilities to future- proof the current facilities and ensure their long-term future viability, and • rectification of the unsuccessful Development Application (DA) prepared by Armidale Branch for a multi-purpose range facility in Guyra; at this stage, SSAA NSW continues to explore options to source external funding to assist with the cost of the $750,000 upgrade of the access road and creek crossing before any further expense will be allocated to a new DA. SSAA NSW has approved a total amount of $2.64 million for completion of the Dubbo, Temora, Hay and Forbes range projects in the 2018 capital works budget. Over the past 10 years SSAA NSW has provided the following funding for range projects: • $684,000 to Branches and Affiliate Clubs for range development, and • $536,371 for the purchase and partial development of ranges managed by the Hay, Forbes and Macksville Branches. • purchase of land for the Guyra facility and reimbursement to the Armidale Branch for expenses incurred related to the preparation of their original unsuccessful DA at a total cost of $487,260, • purchase of land and preparation of the successful DA for the Dubbo facility at a total cost of $651,233, • preparation of the DA for the Temora facility at a total cost of $22,479, and Political Support Unification Firearms Laws Correct the Record • SSAA NSW supports pro-firearm pro-SSAA NSW politicians, candidates and parties. • SSAA NSW is committed to working with all pro-shooting organisations to achieve a united voice for the shooting sports. • SSAA NSW is committed to working with the NSW Government and Police to achieve effective, workable firearms laws that are not onerous on LAFOs and address the real issue of illegal guns and gun crime. • SSAA NSW will strenuously correct the record for misleading statements from high profile/vocal individuals and/or mainstream media and inform members of our actions.

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