Hill Top Residents' Action Group Inc
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The Issues

 

  • TRAFFIC
    There will be increased traffic from the freeway, along     Wilson Drive, over the narrow railway bridge, along West Parade & Wattle Ridge Road    .  Narrow rural roads with no breakdown lanes that cannot handle the increase in traffic.  More cars, more traffic, more accidents.
  • NOISE
    You may not hear the current range as it’s rarely used but plans include the addition of 4 more ranges including pistols, rifles and shotguns.  You will hear it – 5 days and 2 nights per week year round.
  • BUSHFIRES
    Bushfires are a risk we already manage in this highly prone bushfire zone.  Previous fires have been started by lightening strikes and have endangered lives and homes.  Extra people & extra vehicles moving in and out of the area will add the risk of possible arson and accidental fires by discarded cigarette butts.
  • DECREASE IN HOUSING VALUES
    Who wants to buy a family home near a shooting facility?
    It's not a positive selling point so your house will be worth less.  Discussions with local real estate agents have suggested that the properties on 5 acres may experience a reduction in value by $100,000 to $150,000.
  • ENDANGERMENT OF LOCAL FLORA & FAUNA
    1000 hectares of conservation land is being taken for this development, 16 hectares of that land will be cleared and flora and fauna in the surrounding area will be affected. There are currently 108 protected species and 22 threatened species.  The land was not zoned 'conservation' for nothing.
  • LEAD CONTAMINATION & POLLUTION OF WATER CATCHMENT
    Water runoff from the ridge makes its way to creeks which connect with the Nattai River.  This river feeds into the Warragamba Dam.  Lead contamination is a major concern and can be caused by used shot on shotgun ranges breaking down and entering the soil and water.  There are no safe levels of lead and children especially are in danger.  There are many studies and articles available that quantify these risks.
  • SECURITY & SAFETY CONCERNS
    Initial plans suggest on site fuel storage containment.  There will also be guns moving in and out of the villages each day the facility is operating.