Recently, the Commonwealth Minister for Environment Sussan Ley was heard to say at the National Press Club, that she, as the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment would take action to intervene in the issue of Brumbies in New South Wales and it is assumed in Victoria as well?
We were surprised to learn that the Commonwealth would intervene in State issues, for various reasons.
This statement we understand was based upon Minister Ley's mistaken belief there are 14,000 Brumbies galloping around in the Kosciuszko National Park. We believe, nothing could be further from the truth. This is based on the fact that population surveys in both New South Wales and Victoria are carried out using outdated methodology, not the current available technology of drone and camera. The author of the program, Dr Cairns himself was heard to question the outcome from a few hundred Brumbies observed, punched into a computer to, well, voila = 14,000! Impossible.
It is unacceptable, and not possible for the New South Wales Government to be giving our Heritage Brumbies the protection to which they are entitled under Legislation, without having an accurate population survey. We continue to encourage both NSW and Vic Ministers for the Environment, to ensure current technology is adopted to avoid any further criticisms of population surveys and to be in an informed position about how best to manage populations of wild-living Brumbies. NSW it is Legislatively essential.
What Minister Ley has completely overlooked is that Brumbies in the Kosci National Park are protected by Legislation, an Act to recognise the heritage value of sustainable wild horse populations within parts of Kosciuszko National Park and to protect that heritage.
It is surprising that Minister Ley has not been updated on this crucial piece of Legislation that protects wild-living Brumbies and the environment.
Most are aware of the important role Brumbies played in this country not limited to being army remounts during World War 1. Perhaps Minister Ley will appreciate an opportunity to watch this video and to learn about their cultural value and our own history. While there is much to learn from this Video, we do not agree with trapping and removing Brumbies completely from National Parks. We arent closed to some rehoming if proven, with accurate population survey, that it is required to comply with Legislation.
We support the Legislation in force in New South Wales for the protection of Heritage Brumbies. We support the introduction of Legislation in Victoria that will see wild-living sustainable mobs in the environment, as they have been for two centuries.
Please watch this important video, "Saving Australia's Brumbies from aerial shooters". Its an eye opener.
Our sentiments about the cruelty aspect are well expressed in this video. In fact aerial shooting Brumbies is abhorrant and must not be ever permitted.
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