$12.5 million shooting fund

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said local shooting clubs could soon access a $12.5 million fund to expand or upgrade their facilities, purchase equipment or host events and tournaments.

The $12.5 million Shooting Sports Facilities Program will encourage more people to get active in an environment that promotes safe and responsible firearms ownership.

Mr Bull said shooting was a popular sport throughout East Gippsland.

“This fund will provide an opportunity to improve our local facilities and encourage more regional Victorians to participate in the sport of shooting,” Mr Bull said.

The funding can be used to purchase land for the expansion of existing facilities or to secure tenure over existing facilities in order to improve the long term viability of the sport locally.

Mr Bull said it could also be used for capital improvements at existing facilities, or to purchase major equipment to enable a local facility to host major events and increase participation.

“Minor projects will be able to receive up to $100,000 from the fund, with the Coalition Government offering $2 for every $1 put in by the club or another contributor, for example a local council,” Mr Bull said.

“There is no cap on funding invested by Coalition Government into a major project, but the investment will need to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the club or another contributor.

“More than 20,000 Victorians participate in competitive shooting events each year, and we have a proud history of producing Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games medallists, with Russell and Lauryn Mark, Adam Vella and Peter Tait all flying the flag.

“The Coalition Government is helping shooting clubs develop better facilities, host big events and give more people the opportunity to be participants, coaches, and volunteers,” Mr Bull said.

An advisory committee, chaired by Mr David Hawker AO, will be established to assess project applications and provide specialist advice on the sport's specific and strategic needs.

Details of the program will be finalised following the establishment of the advisory committee.