A new advisory panel has been appointed to address the number of brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park in an effort to reduce their impact on the park environment.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade, John Barilaro said the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Community Advisory Panel will advise both the Government and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on a draft management plan for the Park.
“I’ve long been advocating for a balance between recognising the heritage and cultural significance of the brumbies, while enabling active management to reduce their impact on the National Park’s alpine environment,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The appointment of the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Community Advisory Panel (CAP) means we can get on with the job,” he said.
“This management plan is the best way forward to manage both the brumby population and the ecological protection of the National Park.”
He said Tim Johnson had been appointed Chair of the CAP and Chief Scientist Professor at the University of Sydney, Hugh Durrant-Whyte appointed Deputy Chair
Minister for Energy and the Environment, Matt Kean said he looked forward to working with the panel to reduce the damage the horses were having in the “beautiful and iconic park.”
Mr Kean said the NSW Environment Department had recommenced the re-homing program with the first horses expected to be removed within the next four to six weeks.
“This will be the first time in two years that horses have been removed from the Park,” Mr Kean said.
He said the Committee’s work would be informed by a survey of the horse population in Kosciuszko National Park, which is currently being finalised.
