Williamstown Rifle Range Regulations

Overview

The Williamstown Rifle Range Regulations, enacted in 1929 as a statutory rule under the Defence Act 1903-1927, were introduced to establish specific guidelines and safety measures for rifle practice at the Williamstown Rifle Range in Victoria. The enactment was overseen by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and signed into effect by the Minister of State for Defence. The primary problem these regulations aimed to address was ensuring the safety and compliance with distance requirements for individuals participating in rifle practice, thereby preventing accidents and maintaining order on the designated range. The policy objective of these regulations was to provide clear and precise guidelines concerning the minimum distance that must be maintained from any person engaged in rifle practice to any point on the perimeter of the rifle range. This was intended to mitigate risks associated with the use of live ammunition and to ensure that the activities conducted at the range were conducted in a manner that upheld safety standards as outlined in the Defence Act.

Scope and Application

The Williamstown Rifle Range Regulations, established under the Defence Act 1903-1927, govern the conduct and practices related to rifle ranges in Williamstown, Victoria. These regulations specifically address the required distance that must be maintained between individuals engaged in rifle practice and any perimeter points of the designated rifle range area. The legislation applies directly to persons involved in rifle practice within the specified area, ensuring adherence to safety protocols as outlined in the Defence Act. The jurisdictional reach of these regulations is limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, more precisely within the State of Victoria, and they do not extend beyond this geographic scope. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in the regulations themselves, but the application and enforcement may be supplemented by subordinate instruments that provide additional details or amendments to the regulations. The regulations come into immediate operation and are intended to ensure the safe and controlled use of the rifle range facilities in Williamstown.

Key Provisions

The Williamstown Rifle Range Regulations (C1929L00070) are a set of rules made under the Defence Act 1903-1927, specifying the distance that must be maintained during rifle practice at the Williamstown Rifle Range in Victoria. Section 2 of the Regulations specifies that the distance to be kept from any person engaged in rifle practice to any point on the perimeter of the area shown on the plan must be adhered to under section 72 of the Defence Act 1903-1927. This distance ensures safety and compliance with legal standards for the conduct of rifle practice at the specified location. The obligations imposed by the Williamstown Rifle Range Regulations on parties or entities governed by the Act include strict adherence to the specified distance requirements during rifle practice. This is crucial for maintaining safety and avoiding any potential legal ramifications. Any person engaging in rifle practice at the Williamstown Rifle Range must ensure that they maintain the prescribed distance from the perimeter of the area shown on the plan, as per section 2 of the Regulations. This requirement is designed to prevent accidents and ensure the safe conduct of activities at the rifle range. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Williamstown Rifle Range Regulations can result in civil or criminal consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed within the text of the Regulations, breaches of similar regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1927 may incur penalties under the Act itself. These could include fines or other sanctions as prescribed by the relevant laws. It is imperative for all parties involved in rifle practice at the Williamstown Rifle Range to be fully aware of and comply with these regulations to avoid any legal repercussions.