ATV FOR FIREARMS COUNCIL WEED CONTROL
The NT Firearms Council has acquired a new ATV thanks to a grant via the Community Benefit Fund.
The vehicle’s 300 litre tank (& associated diesel pump unit) was immediately filled with water on its receipt to be available as a fire fighting unit during a period of long grass and fire threat. It has since been frequently used by Council and club officials to access otherwise difficult to reach areas of the complex for track & weed inspection purposes. It has undertaken weed spraying duties for the DRC and the SSAA clubs during working bees and is presently on loan to the NT F&G club for similar purposes on their areas.
The vehicle has performed well and up to expectations in all respects. Starting & operating is relatively simple through its automatic transmission and it is not intended to be a race car. Use is limited to date to areas within the Complex as it is not road registerable. We expect also to use it for weed management in the Litchfield National Park Back Country Hunting areas and we have finally been advised our new trailer is ready for collection & registering so that the unit may be road transported. The Fire authorities, Parks & Wildlife and The Gamba Army are all aware of this acquisition and have all commended Council on its initiative. Resolving & modifying a shipping container for its secure storage has been a moving feast with prevarications by suppliers as to availability, various pricing & supply date estimates and generally loose undertakings. We are currently looking at alternative arrangements but will consult CBF prior to any new resolution.
