History and Development

In 2006, a group of individuals came together to start a new shooting range. Our first attempt in 2007 at Pratten was abandoned after we found that the range was intersected by a gazetted road (not developed). During this journey, we were known as the Hazeldene Benchrest Club. We later became a registered club, initially named ‘Clifton Benchrest Shooters Union Inc.’, which was later renamed the ‘Clifton Benchrest Shooting Club Inc.’

The then Mayor of Clifton Shire, and now former Club Patron, Mr. Ian Jones, offered land at Harrigan Road. However, after the amalgamation of the Shires, the new Toowoomba Regional Shire Council decided that this land was not suitable for a shooting range. We were then greatly assisted by the Toowoomba Regional Shire Council, particularly Anna Barrett and Steve Chapman, in locating our current site.

After overcoming many hurdles, we were offered a lease on 28th November 2012. We were granted a licence for the range by Weapons Licensing, Brisbane Branch. Sport and Recreation, particularly Neil Ames and Nigel Fanning, helped us source the necessary funds to establish what we have today. The major initial funding for the Clifton Benchrest Shooting Club Inc., ‘Laurie Bowe’ Range, was obtained through grants from Queensland Sport and Recreation, Jupiters Casino Gambling grant, and other smaller grants from Toowoomba Regional Council.

Construction took place in two stages. Initially, the Clubhouse and covered firing line were constructed along with the Stop Butt. A few years later, an extension was added to the clubhouse and some work was done to improve the Stop Butt. Additional items such as mowers and a generator were purchased through smaller council grants. More recent developments include the training room and access path extension. Development is an ongoing process, and the Club has a bright future.

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