The ACT Government has provided a submission on the NSW Government’s draft Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan during the public exhibition period.
Minister for Land Management Mick Gentleman said the ACT Government has reviewed the approach outlined by the NSW Government and considered the need for a connected approach between the two governments and with Victoria.
“Our submission recommends that feral horse management be considered in the context of the entire Australian Alps bioregion,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Just as Mr Barilaro has been consigned to history, so to must his Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act 2018. The new Liberal Government in New South Wales must repeal this act quickly. Matt Kean has reduced some feral horses and needs to be free to reduce these numbers dramatically. Feral horses don’t belong in national parks,” he said.
“New South Wales needs to align its approach to the ACT, to ensure consistent approach across this important ecosystem. Our zero-tolerance policy on feral horses is paramount in managing the negative impacts of invasive animals within our important conservation areas like Namadgi National Park.
Minister for the Environment Rebecca Vassarotti said feral horses are one of the largest causes of environmental degradation in Australia’s alpine and subalpine parks.
“It is crucial that we work closely with the NSW Government on this plan to align our approach for effective outcomes in the conservation of our parks natural and cultural values,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“Horses in the Australian Alps are a significant threat to both biodiversity and sensitive subalpine wetlands in Namadgi. They cause damage to our environment, including trampling and pugging sensitive bog and fen environments and eating native plants.
“These impacts then flow onto our native wildlife and habitats. Recent research in the alps has shown that these habitat changes are greatly affecting the homes of threatened native species like the Northern Corroboree Frog and the Alpine Water Skink.
“To help us tackle these significant environmental impacts of feral horses across our region, we support the NSW’s draft management plan objective to reduce feral horse numbers.
“Minister Gentleman and I look forward to continuing our collaborative relationship with the NSW Government in the delivery of this draft management plan as our jurisdictions work together to manage feral horse populations.”
