Augustinians oppose proposed shooting range near Mt St Joseph

Augustinian Community backs Jesuits’ opposition against the setting up of a proposed shooting range next to Mount St Joseph

The Augustinian Community has joined the Jesuits’ mounting opposition against the proposed shooting range at the former Busbesija house, next to the Mosta retreat home of Mount St Joseph.

The Augustinians said they were backing the Jesuits in their appeal for the home’s tranquility and silence is preserved.

It said that at a time when the value of peace and quiet is growing, it would be a loss for society if the shooting range were set up as proposed. Consequently, it called on the government to find another site for the shooting range which would not impact other people or the environment.

Jesuit provincial Patrick Magro said that the Order has not been consulted on the impact on the shooting range, which if approved by Mepa, would be located some 300 metres away from the retreat home.

“We are concerned about safety, apart from the noise… a 2006 draft policy on shooting ranges stated that they should not be located close to hospitals, schools, or homes for the retired,” Mount St Joseph Director Stephen Scerri said.