The Hill Top Residents Action Group (HTRAG) has referred the State Government’s handling of the Southern Highlands Regional Shooting Complex to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), questioning the processes used to choose the Hill Top site and the apparent fast-tracking of the development.

HTRAG representative Julie Cook said the proposed complex site was taken from the public and handed over to the Department of Sport with the NPWS Adjustment of Areas Bill April 2006 - two years before the development proposal was exhibited to the public for comment and prior to any approval process.

“HTRAG contends the excision indicates a predetermined and prejudiced outcome for any review or development process,” she said.

Mrs Cook said the Bill presented to the Parliament in 2006 was a vastly different proposal than that currently being determined by NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor.

There was no community consultation before the site was excised.

The current proposal is for the existing 800-metre range, 500-metre rifle range, 140-metre pistol range with 90 shooting positions, 200-metre pistol and rifle range, shotgun range, indoor air pistol range, club house and facilities and 180-vehicle car park.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, May 21