South Coast Hunters lodged an application with Eurobodalla Shire Council to amend its event license, so it can apply for the permit, which would allow it to sell firearms and ammunition at the 2015 event.

It is also seeking to include a mobile air rifle range run by the Sporting Shooters Association, popular at events around the country, including Gunnedah’s AgQuip.

Under changes adopted by Eurobodalla Shire Council last month, the council will seek community feedback on the proposal before it is considered by councillors.

South Coast Hunters president Dan Field said council’s decision to consult with the community if HuntFest organisers applied to change the existing operating license “pushed us into a situation where we figured we’d just go for everything and see what the community has to say”.

He said this year’s event only included a display of firearms, whereas under the changes they could be sold at the event, if the appropriate permits were obtained.

“People have got to understand you just can’t buy a firearm, you need to have a class of firearm that you want, at this stage we’ll display A and B firearms, and you need a license and Permit to Acquire to obtain a firearm,” he said.

“A permit to acquire, can take up to 28 days to be approved.

“People will not be coming just to buy firearms, it’s more about the show.”

Mr Field said the club had not yet discussed whether it wanted to sell ammunition at the event, which was also heavily regulated, but it applied for the unrestricted permit anyway.

Council advises that residents’ submissions should address the amendment only.

Information relating to the public exhibition is on council’s website www.esc.nsw.gov.au and at the Moruya customer service centre and libraries in Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma.