Ranges

To contact the Firearms Registry Range Unit email: firearmsenq@police.nsw.gov.au marked "Attention Range Inspector"

Shooting ranges in NSW are approved and administered by the Firearms Registry under the following legislation:

• Firearms Act 1996,
• Firearms Regulation 2006,
• The Commissioner exercises the authority under Part 8 of the Firearms Regulation 2006 in determining whether to issue a range approval and the conditions which may be imposed.

Range Approvals

The requirements and process to issue an approval for a shooting range is described in the Firearms Registry publication "Range Users Guide".

All applications for a Shooting Range approval are made by completing a P512 "Application for Approval of a Shooting Range or Mobile Gallery" form which is available upon request from the Range Unit of the Firearms Registry.

Mobile ranges and/or Shooting Galleries such as those ranges that operate at local and agricultural shows etc are approved separately and require an inspection by NSW Licensing Police before an application for approval can be processed.

• FORM P512 (sample) - Application for Approval of a Shooting Range or Mobile Gallery (PDF, 321KB)
• Range Users Guide (PDF, 654KB)
  

Range Conditions

All range approvals are subject to conditions either Standard or Special Conditions. All ranges apart from Mobile/Gallery ranges have Standard Conditions as set out below:

1. No alterations or extensions shall be made to the Shooting Range without the prior approval of the General Manager, Firearms Registry
2. The approval holder shall notify the General Manager, Firearms Registry in writing within seven days of any changes including:
    * The permanent closure of the Shooting Range;
    * The change in the Approval holder;
    * A change of address or contact of the Approval holder.
3. This approval remains in force until the expiry date unless sooner revoked by the Commissioner.
4. This approval may be revoked, or conditions varied at any time by the Commissioner for any reason deemed sufficient
5. Any matches or events that are to be conducted on the range are confined to those listed on this approval and the rules of each of these   matches are to be strictly followed at all times. Should any club wish to expand the matches or events they must apply to the General   Manager, Firearms Registry for approval.
6. Persons using the range must be the holder of an appropriate category of NSW firearms licence or permit, or the holder of an equivalent licence issued by another State or territory which is recognised in NSW, or be the holder of a Firearms Dealers Licence or exempt from holding a licence under the provisions of the Firearms Act 1996 and the Firearms Regulation 2006.
7. The Range is not to operate unless a Range Officer, Firearms Instructor or a person deemed competent by the Approval Holder is in attendance and directly supervising all activities involving firearms.
8. Any Firearms Club operating or using the Range must be a Club approved by the Commissioner.
9. The shooting range must be conducted with proper regard to the preservation of public safety and the peace.
10. A member of the NSW Police Force or other approved person may inspect the range and its operation at any time.
11. The Approval holder must ensure that the Range complies with the Firearms Act 1996 and the Firearms Regulation 2006.
12. The approval cannot be transferred.

Special conditions are applied to a Range Approval where necessary to stipulate additional safety matters or restrictions. Special conditions may also apply where a particular Government Department or business are authorised to shoot on that particular range.

Shooting Range Inspections

Inspections by NSW Police or other approved persons are carried out prior to initial approval to confirm compliance. Inspections are then conducted on a three (3) yearly rotational basis to ensure compliance is maintained and to furnish range management with the latest information on range safety, guidelines and practices.

There may be occasions where a special inspection is required and that can be arranged through the General Manager, Firearms Registry.