The decision came as a relief to Hill Top Residents’ Action Group (HTRAG) members who have fought long and hard against the proposal.

Jodie Laing from HTRAG said Tuesday’s decision was a win for residents and said the action group was overjoyed with the result.

“We’re very happy with the decision,” she said. “However, we are aware it does not stop the Government from re-assessing the application if the land is rezoned in the future.”

“But we are pleased at least that part of our objection has been upheld on process.”

The Hill Top Residents’ Action Group had been challenging the proposed shooting range after approval was granted by NSW?Planning Minister Kristina Keneally.

Mrs Laing said the government should now consider looking for another lpace to put the shooting complex.

“They need to look for a more appropriate location,” she said.

In Tuesday’s decision, Justice Peter Biscoe ruled that the “range danger area”, or buffer zone around the shooting range, was “part of the shooting complex and was not allowed in the part of the site zoned as an environmental conservation area”.

Justice Biscoe ruled the entire approval void and ordered the Department of Sport be restrained from doing anything further on the site.

Wingecarribee Council Director of Environment and Planning Scott Lee said the decision was great news for the Hill Top community.

“It’s absolutely great for the people of Hill Top,”?he said.

“It’s good to see that their courage and conviction in standing up to take on the Minister of Planning has resulted in this decision.

“I congratulate the Hill Top community for their effort.”

The Southern Highland News contacted Shooters Party upper house MP Robert Brown’s office but he was not available for comment.