The complex off Lady Nelson Drive is among about 470 properties within the proposed Port Macquarie road link’s investigation corridor.

Mr Tingle said the complex committee was appalled by the council’s lack of foresight for even considering a proposal for a road route like this.

“It will run right through the complex which has been built up over the last 20 years with the political, moral and generous financial backing of the state government,” he said.

Mr Tingle raised concerns the proposed road would mean the demolition of the buildings and nobody would be able to shoot there again.

“It will wipe out the right to use it legally under tight control,” he said.

The proposed orbital road is back on the table to relieve traffic congestion, particularly on Lake Road, Ocean Drive and the Oxley Highway.

The proposed road consists of a collective east-west link (Ocean Drive to Oxley Highway), a north-south link (Oxley Highway to Boundary Street) and a flood-free access to Port Macquarie Airport.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has opened community consultation about the proposed road.

The most viable route has been identified, however, the final route is yet to be determined.

Mr Tingle said if the shooting complex closed, at least 1000 residents of the Hastings would lose the ability to fire their weapons which they were required to do under the Firearms Act to retain their licence.

The complex is a model for others around the state.

The state government has injected close to $1 million in grants into the complex over the years plus there have been investments from other groups.

The complex holds the land under licence from the state government.

Seven clubs covering all shooting disciplines use the complex with its eight ranges and associated buildings.

Police officers train at the facility on an occasional basis.

Mayor Peta Pinson said the council was committed to community engagement for the proposed orbital road as a way of making the best possible decisions based on the interests and concerns of the community.

“Engagement with property owners, businesses and residents within the proposed orbital road investigation corridor marks the start of the process to engage with the community and staff have been liaising with Mr Tingle,” she said.

“The opportunity to meet one-one-one with council staff is a part of this process and senior project staff will be meeting with Mr Tingle next week to understand his issues and concerns.”

Cr Pinson said the council wanted to hear the community’s views on the proposed orbital road prior to determining the final route and the council would be broadening its community engagement activities after the holiday period in early 2019.

“It is important to note that the project is currently not funded and likely timeframes are unknown at this stage,” she said

A comprehensive environmental impact assessment and other technical investigations will need to take place after community consultation to inform the council’s final decision on the route.

Information about further community engagement will be provided in early 2019, and in the meantime, a fact sheet is available by visiting the council’s website.

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