Email came today and my next project (major oil LNG) will have us (wife and 14 year old son)moving from the Texas Hill Country to Brisbane early next year for a four year or so assignment. More than looking forward to leaving Kazakhstan where I have been for the past two years without family. If anyone here is from or knows Brisbane and is willing to answer some fundamentals a PM would be appreciated. Questions would be one's of high school's to attend, where to live, gun ownership and the like. Much appreciated in advance.

I'm in that area mate, well in the Lockyer Valley just outside of Brisbane...ask away.

Where is the job based? If it is FIFO in the country you could place yourself just about anywhere.

Mate, we'd need a few details ....

Brisbane is a big city, so we really can't give school details until and unless you have an area you'd like to stay in ... also for school, state, religious, private?

Gun ownership - I'll leave that to Bakes and Matt, but it's GOT TO be better than WA.

The state itself is huge - almost 2.5 times the size of Texas according to Wikipedia - 715,309 sq mi vs 268,581 sq mi.

I'm sure the boys can give you more info, though.

Welcome to Oz.

Wow, greatly appreciated. My office will be located at 42 - 60 Albert Street (Arrow Energy). I will be one of a few managing the upstream portion of our project involving LNG production on Curtis Island via coal seam gas from the Surat Basin.

We are looking for a high school and tend to prefer public though the company will fund private, we just want quality. We are not very religious so no real need there. I would like a reasonable drive or public transit to the office, if possible. We want a villa with a decent lot to grow a garden on and let the dog run, close to water sounds nice? The company provides a pretty healthy stipend for housing rental.

From what I understand, it is somewhat difficult to bring personal firearms in and better to buy there the few needed once necessary licenses, etc., are in place. We lived in Canada for five years so I am fairly familiar with the stricter requirements for possesion and aquisition relative to the US. I have found the Queensland regs, all 250+ pages of it though have not read them in detail.

Would look to do some hunting of the native critters with my son while there to include whatever bird hunting might exist.

Appreciate the help.

Well your office is right in Town so anywhere you live you'll have to battle traffic to get there or catch a train. As to where to live near water you'll probably have to go north side of the river, can't help there as I don't know much about the north side. Might be best to ask the people in your new office. They will be able to tell you the nice spots to live and how long it will take to get to work with traffic etc.

Have a good read of the firearm regs and any questions shoot them an email, don't take advice from anyone off an internet forum, get your answers straight from them. If you are having trouble getting in contact with them, drop me a PM and I'll help out if I can.

You'll need a genuine reason to own a firearm but thats fixed by joining a club such as the SSAA or the ADA which I'm a member of (we have a block that members can hunt on for red deer for a small management fee) but all other hunting in QLD is on private property. Getting access is a matter of driving around talking to farmers. Hunting natives is out for the most part but I do believe in QLD you can still get a permit to hunt Kangaroos but don't quote me on that, that will have to be checked out. There is no bird hunting in QLD, you'll have to go down to Victoria OR duck (pardon the pun ) up to the Northern Territory for the waterbird season (magpie geese and ducks). Feel free to drop me a PM mate if you have any other questions and I'll give you my email address. Oh the fishing's not bad either

and dont forget that Brisbane is only 4 hours flying time to New Zealand where we have duck hunting , and lots of deer , plus the bonus of chamois and tahr , and great trout fishing ...

Just thought I would mention it ...

On top of what Bakes said - it would be very worthwhile to get your R-licence for neighbouring NSW. We have access to hundreds of pieces of public land (State Forest) and National Parks will be coming online very soon. 3-4 hours drive and you could be accessing those NSW estates... no charge, just an annual licence fee.

It is looking increasingly like we will get some kind of duck season back down here as well.

www.gamecouncil.nsw.gov.au

Definitely recommend joining the ADA - but I would choose the branch carefully. Each branch has different property access and different rules.

im in brissy mate..if you need anything

Gidday Boxhead.
A couple of websites that should help.
www.realestate.com.au/rent/in-brisbane and for background and profiles on 10,000 schools in Australia try www.myschool.edu.au

If you rent on the river (not too far up mind you) you can commute easily via the City Cat river ferries right to the heart of town. A very pleasant way to start and end your day with no commuter traffic to negotiate.
I live in the middle of the city all week and out amongst the deer all weekend.
If i can be of any help just drop me a line.

Mate,
I've just got back from Curtis Island LNG project.
We are the major electrical contractor on the job.
Brisbane is a good place. I'm in Sydney but travel there monthly for work. Curtis Island is off the coast of Gladstone. Good pig hunting up that way and great fishing although Gladstone Harbour is currently closed for fishing. Great Bass and Barramundai fishing in the lakes and Dams.
PM me if you want more details

Gentlemen, I do appreciate all of ths support offered. As the deal (with the same major oil company I have been employed with for 27 years) is only a week old or so I have yet to connect with others there within the company. Will soon as well as get support from our Expat Outpost group. We will be in touch in due time, trust me. Thanks again.

One last fundamental question. Is it best to leave my firearms at home in the States and just purchase what I will "need" after getting licensed to do so there? I thought I read somewhere that importing is fairly difficult? I have the regs printed just need to detail read them.

Also, I assume reloading tools, components, powders, primers and the like are readily available, yes?

I shouldn't think reloading would be a problem, but you might have to settle for ADI powders a fair bit.

Leave your guns at home son, dont take your guns to. ?.. Oh sorry. Catchy tune that one.

Yeah id leave your guns there. Buy what you need out here, reloading stuff inc. i can lend you a press etc if you like.

quote:

Originally posted by hdu505:
Leave your guns at home son, dont take your guns to. ?.. Oh sorry. Catchy tune that one.

Yeah id leave your guns there. Buy what you need out here, reloading stuff inc. i can lend you a press etc if you like.

Appreciate the offer on the press. I have a spare RCBS so will likely throw it in the C-Van and buy the rest there.

G'day Boxhead, I live just north if Brisbane. As others have said it is easier to buy what firearms you want here rather that bringing yours in.

Just to give you an idea on our outlook regarding travel. Most Aussies think nothing of traveling a couple of hundred miles to get to a hunting spot. Some are lucky and get onto places some what closer. Dont be put off by distance. To help give you an idea as to the size of the country-my appologies if you already know- Aust and the US-leaving off Alaska-are about the same size and we cover that with just 7 states.

Cheers

Greg

Hello All,

I too may soon being moving to Australia from the states, Sydney specifically.

I'm also interested in the gun laws there so if someone could post a link where I can download them i would be highly greatful. A list of sporting clubs in the area would be nice as well.

Thanks in advance,

Regards,
Longfeather

quote:

Originally posted by longfeather1:
Hello All,

I too may soon being moving to Australia from the states, Sydney specifically.

I'm also interested in the gun laws there so if someone could post a link where I can download them i would be highly greatful. A list of sporting clubs in the area would be nice as well.

Thanks in advance,

Regards,
Longfeather

I'm not in NSW, but I am enclosed by it.

Gun laws are here http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/services/firearms

See above for R licences - they are a NSW innovation. I want to get mine sometime soon.

As for shooting clubs http://www.nswshooting.com.au/siteNSA/SAindex.htm and http://www.ssaansw.org.au/

quote:

Originally posted by Rule 303:
G'day Boxhead, I live just north if Brisbane. As others have said it is easier to buy what firearms you want here rather that bringing yours in.

Just to give you an idea on our outlook regarding travel. Most Aussies think nothing of traveling a couple of hundred miles to get to a hunting spot. Some are lucky and get onto places some what closer. Dont be put off by distance. To help give you an idea as to the size of the country-my appologies if you already know- Aust and the US-leaving off Alaska-are about the same size and we cover that with just 7 states.

Cheers

Greg

Greg,

Appreciate the response. I have no issue driving to hunt as I chase elk in Colorado though having always lived 1500 miles away. Part of the adventure I say. Working hard at this time with my wife (who is 7000 miles away from me) sorting the school which will result in where to look for a home I suspect. Being the holiday season a tough distraction but we will sort it out as we have multiple times in the past. Everyone's offer to help here is more that appreciated. I advised my wife of this and she was stunned, "your forum friends"? Yes dear...

There are good potted summaries of the various State/Territory firearms legislation here: http://www.ssaa.org.au/licensing-security.html

From a summary I've done for inquirers on a couple of Oz shooting/hunting forums, here are some basics on getting set up/licensed for long guns here, when moving from overseas:

Firstly, all semiautos plus pump action shotguns are verboten here, for all practical purposes. Leave 'em over there.

Secondly, forget about bringing any firearms with you as luggage.
As you are to become a resident, you are not eligible to take out a temporary visitor's firearm licence.

The resident licence application process can only be commenced after you arrive. You must complete a local Firearm Safety Training course before you can submit the application. The State Firearms Registry [Weapons Licensing Branch in Queensland] is the licensing authority, and also issues the B709A import permits. Links to the Registries are on the SSAA page linked above.

A couple of licence prerequisites that may hold things up are:

1. Evidence of identity - usually a '100 point identity check' like http://www.transport.nsw.gov.a.../100-point-check.pdf Only one 'primary document' may be used, but a current passport and foreign drivers licence gets you to 95 points, so you only need one of the other docs. You will also need to satisfy this check to open a local bank account, or get a local driver's licence or mobile phone SIM card, in Oz.

2. Criminal record clearance check from your local police, including any Intervention/Non-Molestation Orders [or your local equivalent]. If it's possible to get this in writing before you leave the US, definitely do so.

The whole process will take >8 weeks, as the licence cannot be issued earlier than 28 days after application. Then there's a further 28 day mandatory delay for the first Permit to Acquire [PTA], plus your secure storage must undergo inspection/approval before a PTA can be issued.

Importing - it's difficult and somewhat costly, but can be done:
If the firearms are packed with your sea freighted effects, that gives you some breathing space to get things sorted at this end. You cannot get an Oz import permit in your name [usually referred to by its Australian Customs form number, B709A] without holding a current Australian firearm licence.

Customs will not hold firearms for the 8+ weeks of licensing delays any more AFAIK; they will destroy them, if not collected by a local dealer. Contact information@customs.gov.au for direct info on this. Customs fact sheets: http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4369.asp#e1057

Customs will also perform 'safety testing' while the firearms are in their hands, so if possible adjust light triggers to a 5lb+ pull. Triggers <2.5lb will not pass, unless on a target rifle. Test details: S. 1.6-1.11 at http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/l...cir1956432/sch6.html Safety catches must indicate their state, either by lettering, or by a red mark indicating the 'fire' position [even if it's just a dab of red nail polish]. This one is easy to get caught out by, and can only be rectified by a dealer/gunsmith once the firearm is in Oz Customs' possession.

Lastly, your firearms can only be collected from Customs by a licensed dealer [due to local registration rules, in all States except SA and possibly WA]. Another aspect is that the B709A import permit has to be obtained by that dealer; or must nominate them as the receiving dealer, if you submit the application. This permit is free of charge, but the dealer may charge to submit the application.

The dealer can also store the firearms until your PTA's come through. Naturally they will charge for these services, and these fees are not regulated, but set by/negotiated with the individual dealer. It's therefore advisable to pick a dealer located reasonably close to the port of entry, to keep these costs down.

Also, crate your firearms separately to the rest of your gear, to make them easier to hand over to Customs when your container is unstuffed. Have copies of complete firearm details; e.g.  make, model, serial number, calibre/cartridge, mag capacity [or if double or single barrel] and action type available. Inert ammo components are also import restricted, and require listing in detail on the B709A. Live ammo and primers/powder, as Dangerous Goods, will not be accepted for shipping by your forwarder/removalist.

Your getting plenty of good advice here mate. Once you get settled in and you want to do a bit of hunting and check a bit of country out send me a PM and I can help you out if you wish. No problems

quote:

Originally posted by crooknees:
Your getting plenty of good advice here mate. Once you get settled in and you want to do a bit of hunting and check a bit of country out send me a PM and I can help you out if you wish. No problems

Terrific, will do.

Greg,

Excellent info and greatly appreciated.

Ed

quote:

Originally posted by Boxhead:

quote:

Originally posted by Rule 303:
G'day Boxhead, I live just north if Brisbane. As others have said it is easier to buy what firearms you want here rather that bringing yours in.

Just to give you an idea on our outlook regarding travel. Most Aussies think nothing of traveling a couple of hundred miles to get to a hunting spot. Some are lucky and get onto places some what closer. Dont be put off by distance. To help give you an idea as to the size of the country-my appologies if you already know- Aust and the US-leaving off Alaska-are about the same size and we cover that with just 7 states.

Cheers

Greg

Greg,

Appreciate the response. I have no issue driving to hunt as I chase elk in Colorado though having always lived 1500 miles away. Part of the adventure I say. Working hard at this time with my wife (who is 7000 miles away from me) sorting the school which will result in where to look for a home I suspect. Being the holiday season a tough distraction but we will sort it out as we have multiple times in the past. Everyone's offer to help here is more that appreciated. I advised my wife of this and she was stunned, "your forum friends"? Yes dear...

That is some traveling for hunting. Hope you get to enjoy some good hunting when you get here.

You do get some strange looks from people when you mention 'Forum friends" hehe

Boxhead I have moved to Brisbane 3 times now and I am happy to help with any questions you have on schools and suburbs. My first move was from Perth the other two have been returning from Expat assignments in Indonesia and Zambia, these moves were all done with the family in tow. You will love it there as its a great place to live. As you are working in the city you have a lot of options. There will also the culture shock aspect of the move to discuss as QLDers can be a little different. Regards Bevan

Fellas,

To all of you who are moving to Australia just remember, if you want a bit of a run down on hunting in Australia, be sure not to miss the Safari Club International, Down Under Chapter show in Tamworth on February 16th and 17th.

For you new Brisbanites Tamworth is about 6 1/2 hours south down the New England Highway.

Great opportunity to see what hunting opportunities there are, drink too much and tell some lies with some likeminded types.

I am about 2 3/4 hours to your north if I can be of assistance.

I do appreciate all of the support offered. Looks like I will arrive 10 Feb so the show may be possible.

Boxhead,
I currently live in Singapore and head up the region for a company that is Arrows downstream contractor.
I am originally from Perth on the West Coast.
I get to Brisbane regularly on business and would love to catch up.
Have hunted all over Australia and NZ , including New Caledonia and can share my experiences on outfitters etc
Best Regards
Steve

quote:

Originally posted by Steve416:
Boxhead,
I currently live in Singapore and head up the region for a company that is Arrows downstream contractor.
I am originally from Perth on the West Coast.
I get to Brisbane regularly on business and would love to catch up.
Have hunted all over Australia and NZ , including New Caledonia and can share my experiences on outfitters etc
Best Regards
Steve

Will keep in touch once I get settled. Thanks.

I hop on the plane this evening (11th) and will begin my new adventure in Brisbane on the 13th. Really looking forward to it and, again, I appreciate all of the comments, suggestions and offers of help.

Have a good trip mate.