A gold medal could produce an “influx” of shooters at Geelong’s major range, according to a sports body.
And a facilities upgrade would help Little River’s Eagle Park cater for the surge after trap shooter Catherine Skinner’s win at Rio, said the Victorian branch of Sporting Shooters Association Australia (SSAA).
State Government and SSAA Victoria had pledged $100,000 and $50,000 respectively for improvements at Eagle Park, “one of the association’s premier ranges”.
The upgrades would include three new clay target throwers to accommodate new shooters inspired by Skinner, SSAA Victoria said.
“Our five-stand range will have the benefit of two new clay target throwers and a third new clay target thrower will be installed on the public shooting range,” said SSAA Victoria’s facilities manager, Shaun Doyle.
“The five stand range operates from 10am to 4pm throughout the weekend but the clay target thrower on the main range will give shooters the opportunity to shoot clay targets on Mondays and Fridays as well.”
Other upgrades would include additional benches, an office refurbishment and construction of a disability access ramp on the public range.
SSAA Victoria chief Jack Wegman said the projects would “pave the way for new shooters to join the sport”.
He praised recent heart attack victim and Victorian Sport Minister John Eren, whose seat of Lara includes Little River, for helping deliver the state money.
“I’d like to acknowledge … John Eren and the (state) Shooting Sports Facilities Program panel for supporting us through this process.”
Mr Eren wrote to the association that the Victorian Government was “strongly committed to developing the shooting sports”.
“We understand the important role that the sport plays in fostering a vibrant, inclusive and connected community,” Mr Eren wrote.
“We are excited to support the Shooting Sports Facilities Program and ensure the sustainability of local shooting clubs in Victoria.”
SSAA Victoria said the upgrade works would begin “shortly after the funds are received”, with completion scheduled for the end of 2017.
