THE prospect of national and international clay target events in Mildura is one step closer to becoming a reality.
A second sum of $400,000 was released to Mildura Clay Target Club on Friday, from a total of $1.2 million committed by the Federal Government last May.
Club president Les Kadziela said construction of the eco-friendly, world-class shooting range was well under way and hoped it would attract more people to Mildura.
“It’s going to put Mildura on the map and bring people in,” he said.
“It will hopefully attract a lot of national and international titles but more so it will be a training ground and will be used a lot more throughout the year.
“There isn’t another like (the range) in Australia.”
Green Range project manager Craig Mitchell, who also worked on the range for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, said the project was set to be complete by June.
“We are aiming for three to four months’ construction time with this one,” he said.
“People don’t understand what this facility will do for no only Mildura, but shooting at a national level.”
Member for Mallee Anne Webster visited the club on Friday to announce the second round of funding and said she looked forward to seeing the complete project.
“This project will provide essential upgrades to the club’s facilities and will allow the club to attract national and international events, bringing visitors and tourist dollars to Mildura and surrounds,” Dr Webster said.
“It will allow our local shooters, like Luke Argiro, the opportunity to compete in qualifying events at home rather than having to travel.”
The grant was part of a larger $40 million investment by the Australian Government for the Community Development Grants Program.
Mr Kadziela said he hoped the better facilities would increase community participation and club memberships.
“We have just over 100 members at the moment but I would really like to double that,” he said.
“We especially want to increase female shooting numbers and we just need to just advertise it a bit more.”
