Geraldton police say 13 gun licence holders in Mid West will be affected by State ban on high-powered rifles

Thirteen licensed gun owners in the Mid West and Gascoyne own high-powered firearms that are part of a State Government ban, it has been revealed.

Geraldton police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin has urged them to safely dispose of the weapons as soon as possible.

The State Government this week announced a ban on 56 different guns and 19 calibres of ammunition, including high-powered rifles capable of piercing armoured vehicles and firing for kilometres.

WA Police believe 248 affected firearms are owned across the State, with owners able to be compensated in a market value buy-back scheme.

Geraldton police confirmed 13 licence holders in the Mid West-Gascoyne district would be affected and would need to hand over their banned guns before July 1.

Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said the Geraldton liquor enforcement unit had made contact with affected licence holders.

“The State Government have determined a certain calibre or type of firearm is no longer required to be in the possession of certain people with certain licences and as such there’s been some changes to the firearms regulations,” he said.

“Existing firearm licence holders currently in possession of the affected firearms must either dispose of the firearm and ammunition by legitimate sale via the WA firearms dealer to a location outside of WA, or send the firearm and ammunition to a WA Police station with supporting documentation to be eligible for a buy-back payment.”

Sen. Sgt Martin recommended taking firearms directly to the Geraldton police station and handing them over to receive a receipt for money collection as quickly as possible.

“We’ve got a very large armoury where we can store the firearms accordingly and dispose of them in the correct manner,” he said.

“(Licence holders) should be aware of the requirements for them transporting firearms. I wouldn’t take them on a shopping trip.”

Sen. Sgt Martin said the reimbursement would be determined based on the purchase price and WA firearm dealers evaluation. Licence holders would have to provide their bank details to police.

He said there was no specified time period for the reimbursement and payment would be via electronic bank transfer.