WHILE shooting over the creek is something that normally adds to the Swan Hill Field and Game experience, the ever-rising water is now a detriment to the club.
Swan Hill Field and Game president Kelvin Newman believes it is unlikely they will be able to shoot out there again this year.
“We get updated on what is happening from locals in the area, but you can just see that out Noorong way it seems to be rising pretty quickly and it may overwhelm the bank,” Mr Newman said.
“All we can do is probably just keep hoping the levee does hold.”
Situated along the Merran Creek on the NSW side of Swan Hill, the main club infrastructure such as the clubhouse did have a levee already surrounding it.
But as the water levels continued to rise, members of the club had to build a second sandbag levee as the water overtopped the original one.
“We had to do some sandbagging and shifted some assets like some throwers and lift the clay targets up and stuff like that off the ground,” Mr Newman said.
“It seems like we are fighting a losing battle I think.”
The club has also been forced to cancel their 34th Anniversary Shoot, which was set to be held over November 5 and 6.
“We are going to miss out on a lot of income from that – it usually attracts around 150 shooters for the two-day event, which is unfortunate,” Mr Newman said.
Mr Newman said as well as the club members all putting in a massive effort, he is also very appreciative of the Dunns, whose farm the gun club is on.
“They have been throwing a heap of resources at it as far as machinery and that trying to build the banks ups and help save the club, which is a great contribution for us,” Mr Newman said.
“It’s on their property and they have got their own issues as well trying to fight the flood water, but they have managed to find some time to help us at the club as well which is great.”
