SSAA NSW

• upgrades to ranges owned by the Wagga Wagga and Gunnedah Branches at a total cost of $122,156. In summary, SSAA NSW has expended a total of $2.50 million to date on the development of range facilities within NSW and has committed at least a further $2.64 million during 2018; a total investment of $5.14 million in ranges. This will most likely increase once investigative work is completed on the Guyra and potential Nowra range facilities. The challenge for SSAA NSW is to source external funding to enable it to expand its current range projects. SSAA NSW has engaged the services of a grant/funding specialist to assist with identifying and applying for external funds as well as developing a long term sustainable funding model. This aligns with, and enhances, SSAA NSW's professional approach to range development and project management which incorporates the use of professional town planning services, dedicated internal resources and has a proven track record. Hunting Recreational hunting and conservation is a core member activity. SSAA NSW has achieved more for recreational hunters in NSW than any other organisation. Through specialised staff resources SSAA NSW continues to facilitate and grow access to recreational hunting opportunities for members, as well provide professional and credible representation in this area. The NSW Government recently announced its decision to continue and expand the Supplementary Pest Control (SPC) program in line with the recommendations of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC). The NRC provided its final evaluation report to Government in 2017 in which it recommended that the SPC program continue and be expanded beyond the trial phase. The final report concluded that the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) capably and professionally planned and managed the program with the support of SSAA NSW and that both organisations worked well together, which contributed significantly to the overall success of the program. In November 2013 SSAA NSW agreed to partner with NPWS for the three year trial which commenced in January 2014. During the trial SSAA NSW was responsible for the training and accreditation of volunteers to standards set by NPWS; the standards were equivalent to those required by NPWS staff involved in ground shooting activities and included firearms safety and accuracy, navigation, first aid and risk management components. The success of the SPC program is evidence that Government and professional organisations can work together to achieve a common goal. SSAA NSW is looking forward to continuing its partnership with NPWS and to working collaboratively on the continuation and expansion of the SPC program. One of the most important roles that SSAA NSW performs is to build awareness and acceptance of recreational hunting; this was an important consideration when deciding to participate in the SPC program. As it turns out, our successful participation in this initiative shone the spotlight on recreational hunters and the important role they play in conservation and opened up numerous other opportunities for recreational hunters to be recognised as important stakeholders in the management of pest animals. Our partnership with Devil Ark has raised the profile of both SSAA NSW and recreational hunters amongst conservation groups and specialist scientists. Even the Australian Threatened Species Commissioner recognised publicly the role of SSAA in conservation activities at a Devil Ark dinner attended by more than 300 from the conservation and scientific communities. The SSAA Farmer Assist program has been positively recognised by farming groups, in various media reports, and within NRC's report following the state-wide review of pest animal management. This program is the only one of its type offered by a NSW hunting club and is only available to SSAA members. Past member surveys identified hunting activities and programs along with education and training as two of the most important areas of interest to members. SSAA NSW provides training and education for recreational hunters through its H&C (Hunting & Conservation) model, which in turn provides access to exclusive opportunities available only to SSAA members. SSAA NSW is currently working on initiatives that will build capacity and capability within its Branches and Affiliate Clubs to enable them to provide the training and accreditation as well as access to recreational hunting opportunities at a local level. In addition to the above, SSAA NSW has established partnerships and programs with a number of government and private landholders to provide assistance with pest animal management through its accredited members, and the credibility and success of these initiatives continues to open up yet more recreational hunting opportunities We are the Game Licensing Unit's (GLU) largest Approved Hunting Organisation, thus providing our members with access to the R Licence and hunting in state forests. Each year at HuntFest we host the GLU within our exhibition. SSAA NSW is an accredited Hunter LEAP Provider and has successfully negotiated with the GLU so that we can provide the opportunity for Branches to come under our umbrella and be part of a state-wide network of accredited Hunter LEAP Trainers, thus removing the administrative burden associated with stand-alone accreditation. Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 5

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