Barmah Brumbies Under Threat of Ground Shooting in Autumn 2021 and RSPCA give the green light to aerial shooting.

Barmah Brumbies are under threat of shooting for possible future Moira grass degradation in the Barmah Wetlands although a bumper year of Moira grass has been reported, and despite CSIRO advice the key driver for Moira grass decline is the flooding regime.
The removal of 250 Brumbies descendants of wild horses living in the National Park for 150 years by land shooting is on the cards. RSPCA give the green light for aerial shooting from moving helicopters. Trapping, abrupt removal and ground shooting of those not rehomed within 24 hours of trapping is planned for Autumn 2021 by Parks Victoria.
Barmah Wetlands located within Barmah National Park 225 Kilometres north of Melbourne, became a “Divorced Floodplain” from the Murray River when water became a trading commodity for agriculture and commercial interests. According to CSIRO "manipulation of water through weirs causes decline of the Barmah forests most precious grasses known as Moira Grass (Pseudoraphis spinescens). 'No mention of Brumbies.

SO, WHAT'S THE TRUTH?
The Andrews Government want to remove the Heritage Barmah Brumbies supposedly because they might cause damage to the Moira grass at some unknown future time, and despite a bumper crop of Moira grasses being reported.On January 10th 2021 ABC Radio show “Australia All Over” Keith Ward, Senior Wetland Ecologist, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority was guest speaker. Keith has 30 years’ experience in his area of expertise, and is presently employed by the State Government of Victoria. Keith said about the Moira grass in Barmah National Park

“It is some of the best Moira Grass I have seen in years.”

The Brumbies have been living symbiotically with native wildlife in the Barmah forest for well over 150 years and locals say Brumbies do not cause damage to Moira grass. Barmah Brumbies are descendants of horses released into the Common by young men as they left for World War I well before the area was declared a National Park. The Brumbies perform a strong ecological role as contributors to biodiversity humectifying the soil and harboring small creatures another matter overlooked by the Andrews State Government

A recent joint Management Plan with indigenous group Yorta Yorta at a taxpayer cost of $5.75 million calls for Barmah Brumbies to be removed. The Plan could see the 250 Brumbies facing removal despite local community and tourist operator opposition.

Removal of the Brumbies pays no respect for the culturally significant and rich diverse history of the Brumbies in the area or preservation of the Brumbies’ bloodlines.

The Brumbies play a strong role for local tourism. The Brumbies hold cultural Heritage value for all Australians. The future for Barmah National Park must extend to being more culturally aware for all Australians.

The Barmah Brumbies deserve to be acknowledged for their cultural Heritage and contribution to the establishment of the colonies and their bloodlines protected. This would be the first time Barmah Brumbies have been trapped and removed from the forest in 150 years.

We should question what is  the motivation behind this decision within the context of the very recent truth by Keith Ward, and ask the Andrews Government to review the Management Plan to allow the small number of Brumbies to remain living in the 77,000 acre Park. This review should take place urgently after discussions with stakeholders including the Yorta Yorta.
Photo Credit: Adam Hill Barmah Brumby