Crs Charlie Lowles, Peter McAlister and Allan Shearan supported the motion. Cr Danny Mackin is still firmly opposed.

Cr Mackin was joined at the vote by fellow Labor councillor Barbara Gapps.

The club's application for more shooting ranges was originally heard by the council in February.

The matter was deferred pending a second acoustic test to monitor expected noise levels from the site.

A third acoustic test was requested after the results of the second were made known.

Council officers recommended approval at each stage.

Cr Mackin said that the concerns of residents who he said had complained of noise had to be considered.

The Pistol Club wrote to the council in June to say that there was little need for a third test and requested a decision.

Cr Peter McAlister said last week that the council had done all that was required.

"They did the environmental and noise studies and they were found to be suitable," he said. "They can either gain approval here tonight or go to the Land and Environment Court.

"My concern is that with the reports and studies that were done it would be very hard to mount a case in the Land and Environment Court."

Cr Mackin still objected.

"I'm representing the concerns of the people," he said. "That's what I was elected to do and I don't care if I upset my friends or colleagues - that's what I'll continue to do."

Fellow Ward 5 councillor Charlie Lowles said he had lived in the Blackett area for more than 30 years and had heard only one person complain of noise.

"Let's not play political games here and defend a decision we can not defend," he said.

In approving the application, the council has stipulated that the club must build a sound-baffling system on its existing ranges as well as extend the height of a mound at the rear of the site to six metres.