At its Tuesday meeting, the council approved the DA for a home business at Quamby Brook.

The business proposes to sell firearms, ammunition and related items, with a significant portion of the business involving online sales, couriering and postal delivery. 

Councillors agreed the application was the first step of many in order for the gun and ammunition shop to proceed.

Councillor Rodney Synfield believed the proposed business did not comply with the definition of a home-based business. 

“I don’t see that this outbuilding and the use of land actually complies with the definition. Clause F says you’re not allowed to have any hazardous materials … ammo is a type of explosive,” he said.

Councillor Deb White said it was reasonable that community members were alarmed. However, Councillor Michael Kelly said he was “very comfortable” with the proposal saying there was a lot of hype. 

Later in the meeting, a notice of motion was approved asking the council to correspond with the Police Minister and Labor and Greens spokespeople to ask for a review of the Firearms Act to consider allowing community consultation before issuing licences to sell firearms and ammunition. 

The motion was put forward by Councillor Bob Richardson, who said 70 per cent of Australians believe the Act shouldn’t be changed to make it easier, and that 20 per cent of people think the laws needed to be stronger. 

Cr Kelly didn’t believe councils should be delving into the situation, but Cr Richardson said community consultation should be available before firearm licences are issued.