The ACT’s Minister for the Environment has called on neighbouring jurisdictions to take considered and direct action to address the impacts of feral horses on the environment.
Ahead of the meeting of Environment Ministers last week, ACT Minister, Rebecca Vassarotti expressed the Territory’s renewed hopes to save the alps in the context of a refreshed NSW Government.
“We are in an extinction crisis,” Ms Vassarotti said.
“I would like to recognise the new Minister for the Environment for NSW and express my renewed hopes for a shared hope to save the alps,” she said.
“I look forward to progressing discussions and strategies that result in collaboration and action on this serious environmental issue.”
Ms Vassarotti said while the ACT had taken significant steps to manage feral horse populations, other jurisdictions had been slower to act.
She said the negative consequences of feral horses on fragile alpine environments couldn’t be overstated.
“They can damage and destroy vegetation, compact and trample soil, and compete with native wildlife for vital resources like food and water,” the Minister said.
“Feral horses can also contribute to the spread of invasive plants and alter waterways, which in turn impact aquatic environments.
“These invasive species start to destroy the foundations of our natural ecosystems, contributing to the collapse of our environment.”
Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentlemen threw his support behind any move to address the issues that feral horses cause for the alpine region.
“The potential for feral horses to cause catastrophic damage sensitive subalpine wetlands in the national heritage listed Namadgi National Park is of a grave concern to not only the ACT Government but also the ACT community,” Mr Gentlemen said.
