The revelations about Tom “Mr Chinatown” Zhou’s wombat-hunting tours in Murrindindi for Crown Casino‘ s Chinese high-rollers leave more questions than they do answers.
Are the firearms (as seen in the now-deleted website) registered? If so, to whom?
Are the firearms even legal? Some appear to have high-powered rifles.
Have the police or DEWLP ever gone to the property to check that those using firearms hold the appropriate licences?
Are the firearms stored correctly? Police often carry out spot-checks of registered firearms holders – such as farmers – to ensure firearms are stored in accordance with the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic).
Have these ‘spot-checks’ ever been carried out at “Dude Ranch/Balaclava?” If not, why not? Especially given several reports exist of concerned Murrindindi residents reporting gunshots over several years.
Is it a good idea for the council to approve a so-called tourist development that (given the original development proposal) included plans for a helipad and shooting range?
Is it really a good idea to have these so-called tourists at a proposed resort where firearms have been in regular use?
First published Kinglake Ranges News, August 4, 2019.
