COVID 19 UPDATE FOR MEMBERS

Fellow QRA Members

It has been a period of extreme flux in the past two weeks. Queensland Government media releases followed by Health Department directives and various other Government agencies have not always been interpreted or conveyed in an easy to understand fashion. Last week we confirmed that despite the directions provided for the lifting of restrictions in Stage 1 effective from May 16 the QRA had been provided guidance that the intent for the recommencement of sporting activities was not included.

From this position we have challenged the Government to provide clear advice on our activities. We have been fortunate enough to have some Members of Parliament located in electorates with actives clubs and ranges that are both sympathetic and willing to assist us in gaining the clarity we have been searching for.

To this end I am pleased to advise that we have been given suitable advice that we are able to commence non-contact social training activities on our rifle ranges. However, there are some limitations that may not be totally popular at this point. There will be no range activities conducted at Belmont until Stage 2 restrictions are implemented on or before 12 June deadline of the Queensland Government. In consultation with some members that have been assisting the development of suitable protocols it has been agreed that the management of the shooting numbers at Belmont – inclusive of entire site – would be too onerous and potentially create a breach of the State Governments guidelines. To this end, we have plans being established for a return to activity and training for the 13th of June where 20 persons are able to gather in recreational activities. Belmont clubs will be directly contacted and advised of the protocols this week to assist in planning.

For regionally located ranges and clubs, your voluntary return does come with conditions that must be met or exceeded prior to the recommencement of training activities. Provided with this email is an attachment which highlights requirements that we deem as a minimum for clubs to obtain prior to returning to activities. Should you have any questions on these please reach out so that we can assist you where possible.

Minimum Requirements – download pdf

I will also add that this is a voluntary return for those clubs. Furthermore, all clubs should assess the risk to their members and only undertaken activities if those risks can be clearly eliminated or effectively controlled. I encourage all club executives to gauge yours members’ feelings on return to activities in the first instance.

Strict adherence to the gatherings of not more than 10 persons must be undertaken, remembering that Range Officers are included as are any spectators which should be encouraged not to attend.

Other points to note and reinforce are that only fully financial club members should attend those ranges. Visitors are discouraged as are new shooters, learn to shoot, coaching and any forms of congregation around club facilities – get in and get out. We must be socially responsible in this activity at all times.
It is also important to remember that while this is a positive response to our inquiries that Queensland Government directives are a constant evolution and that changes may occur that would void this return to activity. We will work to ensure you are kept abreast of the latest information we have available.

Finally, I can’t stress this enough. If you are unsure or are in the vulnerable age bracket for this virus please refrain from attending activities. Your health and well being is far more important than getting shots down range at this point. As a State and nation we are slowly moving towards less and less active cases of COVID-19. Sometimes just that little bit of extra time and caution is worth the wait.

Please stay safe as we continue to move through this pandemic.

For and on behalf of the QRA Board