More than 100 people turn out at a meeting about the controversial new Christies Beach gun shop, shooting gallery

MORE than 100 people turned out for a public meeting ahead of the controversial opening of a new gun shop and shooting range in Adelaide’s south — opinion divided about the new local business.

ABOUT 120 people packed a public meeting last night to have their say on a controversial gun shop and shooting range opening in Christies Beach.

The crowd was divided on whether Beach Rd was the appropriate place for The Gunnery because of its proximity to schools, social services and shops.

The Gunnery at 51 Beach Rd.

One resident believed the business would be a “threat to our suburban neighbourhood” and others felt it was better suited to Lonsdale’s industrial area.

A strong contingent of shooters, about 50 people, tried to reassure people the business would be safe, saying it would attract people like themselves, who were vet nurses, social workers and university students.

Brock Ellis told the meeting guns had been sold before on Beach Rd in the former Danny’s Sports Bar and there were no problems.

“We’ve had weapons in the area before and we haven’t had any issues and things were a lot more relaxed back then,” Mr Ellis said.

Reynell state Labor MP Katrine Hildyard and Kaurna state Labor MP Chris Picton had called the meeting to hear residents’ concerns on Onkaparinga Council’s approval and community consultation process.

Reynell MP Katrine Hildyard speaks to the crowd

It comes after the council approved the business as a category 2 development, which meant it only had to consult residents within 60m of the shooting range.

Some residents accused the council of approving the application in “secret” and voiced anger at council staff not being present.

Cr John Gunn defended council staff, who did not attend the meeting, saying they were governed by the Development Act which was set by the State Government.

Four members of SA Police were at the meeting, including office in charge of firearms Superintendent Kym Hand.

The police were consulted on the business before it was approved and Supt Hand told the meeting community safety was considered and stressed the stringent process that a firearms dealer must go through to get a licence.

The Gunnery owner Peter, who does not want to use his surname, answered questions at the meeting and invited anyone with concerns to visit the shop or come and talk to him.

“What we're trying to create is a safe environment for people to come and shoot,” he said.

Peter has met with Christies Beach Primary School to try and appease concerns and said the business was trying to remain discrete and not include pictures of guns on its logo.

As the business was a category 2 development there is not right to public appeal.

The gun shop is expected to open later this month, with the shooting range to follow later in the year.