A development application for a specialised shooting range, which would have included live action fire within 600 metres from homes and received backlash from the community, has been withdrawn.
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The proposed range in Currawang, near Collector, was to include a national live fire centre that would train police in lethal force and counter-terrorism operations.
Proposed by the Australian Defence Force's main provider of live fire shooting facilities, Australian Target Systems, it was to address a "key market need" in the wake of the Lindt cafe siege and cover about 5000 hectares of bush-land.
As reported earlier this year, neighbours opposed the plan, claiming the "loud and alarming" gunshots would shatter the peace of the rural community.
This week residents in the area received a letter to inform them the plans had been withdrawn.
A Queanbeyan-Palerang Council spokesman confirmed Australian Target Systems had retracted their application on June 18.
"Council had commenced assessment but had not yet made a determination on the development application at the time it was withdrawn," the spokesman said.
Fairfax Media approached Australian Target Systems for comment.
James McKay, who has lived in the area for more than 15 years, said he was cautious when he saw the letter.
"Ultimately I think I would have preferred the development application to have run its course and for council to make a decision," Mr McKay said.
"In my view, council only ever had one option, and that was to refuse it, so from that perspective, it is disappointing that the community was unable to get closure from the consent authority on that.
"On the other hand, it is certainly good news that given the mountain of opposition to the proposal, it would appear that the applicant had reached the view that pursuit of it was a hopeless course of action."
In the application submitted in December last year, the company described the range, which was to be named "Samuel's Run", as unique and a "significant opportunity to contribute to Australia's national security".
It was estimated to be a $450,000 development with sniper training and orienteering and it was to house more than 20,000 rounds of ammunition. A sound-proof shipping container designed by the company would have also allowed live fire during immersive on-screen simulations.
