It is also intended that the legislation will prevent that culling of feral horses within the park, meaning that horse populations can only be controlled by non-lethal in park methods. Research suggests in park culling is among the most humane methods in minimising horse trauma. The legislation does not provide funding for the much more expensive and traumatic mustering and relocation techniques.
What are other people saying?
“After eight years of ignoring the growing population and the damage the horses are doing to the Park, it is clear that this bill will make the problem worse, not better.”Penny Sharpe, Shadow Environment Minister
“The decision is an international embarrassment and another nail in the coffin for NSW national parks ...” NPA Chief Executive Officer, Alix Goodwin
“We acknowledge the cultural and tourism value of the wild horses, but we must also acknowledge the science that tells us of the damage being caused. Damage that is threatening the unique ecosystem of the park – there is simply too much at stake to risk the benefits the park brings to our region for tourism and employment.” Country Labor candidate for Monaro Bryce Wilson
“This bill represents the greatest conservation threat in 75 years to one of the great national parks of Australia and the world, and a threat to one of the most sensitive, important and economically valuable water catchments of Australia. It would lead to destruction of Kosciuszko National Park as we know it today.” (Hon) Associate Professor, Fener School, ANU, Dr Graeme Worboys
Watch this drone footage from Cowombat Flat at the headwaters of the Murray River. The fenced areas are grazing exclusion enclosures, and the impact of feral horses is clear. You can even see just around the inside the enclosed areas where horses reach over and graze.
There was an article about Feral horse in BWA August 2016.
You can also read more the thread Horses and heritage on Bushwalk.com forum.
What to do?No matter where you stand on this issue I urge you to read this proposed letter and consider writing to your local state MP. I wrote a letter and got an immediate personal response. The response was not what I wanted, but democracy is about having the people voice heard.