6 February 2019

Mount Vince Rifle Range sold to Mackay Regional Council

Today the Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett, along with the Assistant Minister for Children and Families and Federal Member for Capricornia, the Hon Michelle Landry and Federal Member for Dawson, Mr George Christensen announced the approval of a sale of the Mount Vince Rifle Range to Mackay Regional Council, via an off-market sale process.

Minister Fawcett said this was a great outcome for Mackay, the local community and the Department of Defence.

“The 170-hectare site will support a rural fire brigade depot and also provides an opportunity to reinstate shooting activities in the area for use by civilian rifle clubs.

“The sale of Mount Vince Rifle Range demonstrates the Government’s commitment to unlocking surplus Commonwealth properties for uses that support the Australian community.”

Local MP, Michelle Landry, said that the sale represents a great opportunity for Capricornia, particularly for the local rifle clubs who will be able to recommence shooting activities on the site.

“This change of ownership is a positive move for not only the growing sporting shooter scene around Mackay, but it will surely help continue the proud history of this Mount Vince range.

“For many decades this site has delivered for the nation and for the local community and I’m pleased to see the site returned to community hands.

“Shooting is a great sport, popular with people from all walks of life and today’s handover will be well received by locals, I’m sure,” said Ms Landry.

“I’d like to thank Mackay Council and my good friend and colleague, George Christensen, for their work in helping advocate for our local shooters.”

Mr Christensen said that a sale to the Council was a successful outcome for the people of Mackay.

“This sale has secured the Mt Vince site for sporting shooters and I congratulate club president Ted Mullan and other members on the outcome.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was pleased to help secure a future for target shooting in the Mackay region.

“We have been working closely with Mackay and District Target Rifle Association on this agreement and we are looking forward to working with them in the future now the contract has been signed,” Mr Williamson said.

“The range will be used by multiple clubs on a weekly basis and we are hopeful that this arrangement will allow the sport to continue to grow in our region.”

“Being one of the few long distance shooting ranges in Queensland, it is also an attractive venue for major events that bring economic benefits to the region.”

Ends.