Key Takeaways
- The Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act of 2018 has been repealed, removing protections for wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park.
- The repeal bill passed with bipartisan support and the backing of independents in the NSW state parliament.
- Environmental advocates have hailed the repeal as a win for the environment and Australia’s natural heritage.
- The wild horse population in the park is estimated to be between 12,000 and 21,000, posing a threat to the alpine habitat and native species.
- The NSW government will now treat brumbies as any other invasive species in a state national park.
Introduction to the Repeal
The Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act of 2018 has been repealed, marking a significant shift in the management of wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park. The repeal bill, which passed with bipartisan support and the backing of independents in the NSW state parliament, removes protections for the brumbies and allows for more effective control measures to be implemented. The decision has been welcomed by environmental advocates, who argue that the wild horses pose a significant threat to the alpine habitat and native species.
The Impact of the Wild Horses
The wild horse population in Kosciuszko National Park is estimated to be between 12,000 and 21,000, which is significantly higher than the 3,000 horses that were allowed under the previous legislation. The horses are not native to Australia and are considered an invasive species, causing significant damage to the alpine ecosystem. The horses trample the snow-grass, dry out the alpine wetlands, and threaten the survival of native species such as the southern corroboree frog. The repeal of the Heritage Act is seen as a crucial step in protecting the park’s fragile ecosystem and preserving its natural heritage.
Reaction to the Repeal
The repeal of the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act has been hailed as a victory for the environment and Australia’s natural heritage. Invasive Species Council Indigenous ambassador and Snowy River guide Richard Swain described the decision as "a victory for truth over mythology." He noted that the alpine wetlands have been drying out, the snow-grass has been trampled, and the frogs and fish have been vanishing, and that the repeal is a crucial step in protecting the park’s ecosystem. Invasive Species Council chief executive Jack Gough called the original Heritage Act a "political stunt" and noted that the decision to repeal it is a choice between reducing the number of feral horses or accepting the destruction of sensitive alpine ecosystems and habitats.
Government Response
The NSW Environment Minister, Penny Sharpe, has welcomed the repeal of the Heritage Act, stating that it will allow for the brumbies to be treated as any other invasive species in a state national park. She noted that control of wild horses is enabling the natural ecosystem to bounce back and that the repeal is a crucial step in protecting the park’s ecosystem. The original sponsor of the Heritage Act, Wagga Wagga MP Dr. Joe McGirr, has also supported the repeal, stating that the Act put symbolism ahead of science and ideology ahead of evidence, and that the repeal restores integrity to environmental decision-making in New South Wales.
Conclusion
The repeal of the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act is a significant step in protecting the environment and preserving Australia’s natural heritage. The decision to remove protections for the wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park is a crucial step in managing the invasive species and preserving the park’s fragile ecosystem. The NSW government’s commitment to treating brumbies as any other invasive species in a state national park is a positive step towards protecting the park’s ecosystem and preserving its natural heritage. As the park begins a new era of management, it is essential that the government continues to prioritize the protection of the environment and the preservation of Australia’s natural heritage.
