Is there a plan to try to eradicate all Brumbies from Barmah National Park? With a flawed Management Plan about to kick in we have grave concerns for the Barmah Brumby bloodlines surviving.
Our ePetition (see below) is calling upon the Victorian Government to acknowledge the cultural and heritage significance of Australia’s iconic Brumbies and to enact Legislation for their protection and conservation. We want to see Brumby Groups proactively involved in managing Brumbies in Victorian National Parks, ensuring bloodlines are not lost forever. Ideally we want to see Brumbies living where they have lived for hundreds of years in a sustainable and manageable way.
The New South Wales government recognised Australian Brumbies to be of cultural and heritage significance when it enacted the Brumby Legislation to protect and manage Brumbies in New South Wales. We demand the same for Victoria.
On December 10, 2019 Chief Scientist Parks Victoria Mark Norman, in the Auditor General’s Report 202 "Meeting obligations to Protect RAMSAR Wetlands'" stated the principal factor that has led to the decline of the Moira Grasses in the Barmah Wetlands is "the change to natural flooding regime."
Added to the confusion over the cause of change to the Moira Grasses is the numbers counts produced by Parks Victoria. Determination of numbers by the use of ‘sampling’ FLIR imaging system in the area surveyed was carried across key areas frequented by the Heritage horses, therefore giving high and false readings of numbers for the whole of the Park.
Parks Victoria chose the highest density area to carry out the imaging system. In June 2018 and 2019 surveyed numbers were 540 Heritage horses and September 2019 another survey was carried out with 282 Heritage horses counted, Parks eagerly said that that the 282 count “under represents” but don’t say 540 "over represents" So what are the correct numbers Parks Victoria?
We believe the range around 200 is most likely nearer the truth.
We oppose plans to remove 100 Heritage Brumbies each year for four years, under the recently announced plan because with failed numbers counts the 100 Brumbies proposed to be removed is unreasonable and unacceptable. It is based on flawed numbers and will obviously lead to eradication of the Barmah Brumbies very quickly.
Added to that is the timing, it is potentially cruel and inhumane because it could lead to the deaths of numbers of foals who would still be dependent on their mums.
It is also an unworkable plan because of the unworkable time frames.
“Expression of Interest” deadlines diminish the opportunity to achieve a removal of 100 Brumbies within the time frame allocated. Those wishing to take on a Heritage Brumby are not being given adequate time to prepare and/or apply on the terms stipulated by the State Government
We object to the removal of 100 Brumbies based on misleading numbers counts, Victorian Government numbers are flawed, nor has sufficient time been allowed for plans to be made to enable Expressions of Interest.
We strongly oppose the plan to remove 100 Heritage horses per year. This will mean total eradication of Barmah Brumbies in two years. The Brumbies are not being given a chance of survival.
It is time for all stakeholders to discuss a sensible and workable plan that will see saving the Barmah Brumby bloodlines. The alternative being proposed will see the end of the Barmah Brumby bloodlines.
Brumbies are moving out of the Barmah National Park because of failing management of boundary fences and cattle grids.
Any "culling" must take into account foaling seasons.
We acknowledge the lack of management within the park of the failure to manage specific sites of cultural importance caused by lack of fenced off areas or fences decaying allowing trespass by people and animals.
Barmah Brumbies were placed in the "Common" in the 1870's, not as claimed by Parks Vic in the 1950's, which gives greater weight to the Barmah Brumbies recognition as being of strong cultural and heritage value.
We hope that Parks Victoria focus on principal factors like water regimes, invasive weeds and the ever choking of saplings that are encroaching the Moira Grass areas en -masse.
A review of the Consultation Summary of the Strategic Plan discloses 67% of respondents say they rarely or never visit the Barmah . How can Parks base their actions on information from people that don't visit Barmah or let alone understand Heritage horse behavior?
If like us, you oppose the proposed Management Plan please make a time to speak with your local MP and speak about your concerns. There is urgency to this as the Management Plan is due to kick in shortly.
The Brumby Legislation we are seeking for Victoria reflects the heritage and cultural values for all Victorian Brumbies. If you live in Victoria, please sign the ePetition without delay. It is closing soon and the Brumbies need your support.