A significant legislative shift occurred as a bill aimed at repealing the 2018 Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act successfully moved through both houses of parliament. The bill garnered bipartisan support and was backed by several independents, including its original proponent, Wagga Wagga MP Dr. Joe McGirr, alongside Jeremy Buckingham, an upper house member from the Legalise Cannabis party.
Environmental advocates are celebrating this development as a triumph for protecting Australia’s natural landscapes and ecosystems.
Jack Gough, CEO of the Invasive Species Council, criticized the initial Heritage Act, labeling it as a “political stunt.” He emphasized the difficult choices facing conservationists. “While it’s unpleasant to consider the culling of animals, we must choose between swiftly reducing the number of feral horses or witnessing the devastation of delicate alpine ecosystems and the extinction of native wildlife,” Gough explained.
New South Wales Environment Minister Penny Sharpe expressed that the repeal would classify brumbies similarly to other invasive species within state national parks. “During my visits to Kosciuszko National Park, I’ve observed firsthand how managing the wild horse population is crucial for the recovery of the natural ecosystem,” she stated.
NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the bill would see brumbies treated as any other invasive species in a state national park.
“I have visited Kosciuszko National Park and clearly seen that control of wild horses is enabling the natural ecosystem to bounce back.”
McGirr, whose electorate covered a third of Kosciuszko National Park, said the bill corrected a “serious mistake”.
“The Wild Horse Heritage Act put symbolism ahead of science and ideology ahead of evidence – and our most fragile alpine landscapes paid the price,” he said.
“Repealing this law restores integrity to environmental decision-making in New South Wales.”
