State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson says the Minns Labor Government must immediately halt a proposed aerial shooting operation targeting horses in Yuraygir National Park and Yuraygir State Conservation Area between Coffs Harbour and Yamba.
An urgent letter has been sent to NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe calling on the government to stop the proposed aerial shooting of horses and provide the community with clear information about the operation.
Mr Williamson said he had only recently become aware that horses are among the animals targeted in the proposed operation and believes the community has not been given adequate information by NSW National Parks.
“The community is rightfully distressed and alarmed by this proposal,” Mr Williamson said.
“People deserve to know exactly what is being proposed in our national parks, particularly when it involves shooting horses from the air.
“NSW National Parks has not been upfront and fully transparent with the community about which animals are being targeted as part of this aerial shooting operation.
“Once people understand that horses are among the animals targeted, I have no doubt many in our community will be deeply upset and concerned.”
Sections of Yuraygir National Park and Yuraygir State Conservation Area are proposed to be closed from 6am Monday, 24 August until 6pm Friday, 28 August 2026, while aerial shooting operations are carried out.
Mr Williamson said the NSW Government must step in and stop the proposed aerial shooting of horses.
“I am calling on the Minns Labor Government to put a stop to the proposed aerial horse cull,” Mr Williamson said.
“I do not believe shooting horses from the air is a humane way to remove these animals from our national parks.
“If the government and NSW National Parks believe this is the appropriate course of action, then they should be upfront and honest with the community about exactly what is being proposed and which animals will be targeted.
“Our community deserves transparency, proper consultation, and confidence that animal management programs are being conducted humanely and responsibly.
“This is not something that should be hidden behind a broad description of an aerial shooting operation.
“The Minns Government needs to listen to the community, explain exactly what is being proposed and reconsider the aerial shooting of horses in Yuraygir National Park and State Conservation Area.”
