Newsroom
Knuth And Katter Confident Of Atherton Rifle Ranges Future
March 6, 2026
Member for Hill Shane Knuth says he is increasingly confident the future of the historic Atherton Rifle Range will be secured following positive discussions with both Federal and State governments.
The confidence comes after the Australian Government confirmed that Defence will be engaging with stakeholders regarding the divestment of its lease with the State Government on the Atherton Rifle Range.
In correspondence to Mr Knuth, the Assistant Minister for Defence confirmed that Defence will work collaboratively with affected organisations during the transition process.
“Defence is now engaging with businesses operating on impacted sites to manage transition timelines and minimise disruption. This includes clear information and working collaboratively to support continuity where possible,” the Assistant Minister stated.
Mr Knuth said the response was encouraging and demonstrated a willingness by Defence to ensure the range can continue operating.
“I have also met directly with the Queensland Minister for Natural Resources this week, who has given his full support to ensuring a smooth transition once Defence relinquishes its lease,” Mr Knuth said.
“The Minister has committed to working with Defence to ensure any transitional issues, including potential costs, are addressed so the range can continue operating safely and sustainably for many years to come.”
Mr Knuth said these commitments would help secure the long-term viability of the range for members of the Atherton Rifle Club and the Atherton Clay Target Club, as well as the broader community.
The range has long served as an important sporting and training facility for the Tablelands region, used by local rifle clubs, clay target shooters, the Army Cadets, Queensland Police and various community groups.
The Atherton Clay Target Club regularly hosts competitions attracting shooters from across Queensland and interstate, providing important economic benefits to local accommodation providers, hospitality venues and small businesses.
Mr Knuth said the facility is steeped in history.
“The Atherton Rifle Club has been operating at the range since around 1900, and the range itself includes distances up to 1,000 yards, making it the longest-range facility in Far North Queensland,” Mr Knuth said.
“This facility has played an important role in sporting shooting, training and community events on the Tablelands for generations.”
Mr Knuth said he and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, recently met with members of the Atherton Clay Target Club to discuss the future of the range and he has had discussions with the North Queensland Rifle Range Association who hold the lease with Defence over the range.
“Bob Katter and I are united in our commitment to securing the future of this facility,” Mr Knuth said.
“Bob will also be lobbying the Federal Defence Minister directly to ensure the transition away from Defence is handled properly and that the range remains operational for local users.”
Mr Knuth said the strong support from both levels of government, range members and the local community was vital.
“After receiving the response from Defence and meeting with the Minister for Natural Resources, I am confident that the Atherton Rifle Range will continue operating in its current form and that its future will be secured long-term,” he said.
“This range has been part of the Tablelands community for more than a century.
Bob Katter and I will do everything possible to ensure it continues serving the region for another 100 years.”