Mixed reactions to Wild Horse bill repeal

There have been mixed reactions to the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Repeal Bill being passed through the NSW lower house. Proponents of the bill, including the Invasive Species Council, have welcomed the decision, declaring it a ‘landmark’ victory. The Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Repeal Bill 2025, introduced by Wagga Wagga MP Dr Joe McGirr, was passed in the lower house last week. “Parliament has come together across party lines to finally put that mistake behind us,” Invasive Species Council CEO, Jack Gough, said. “The next step must be to reduce feral horses to as near zero as possible, ensuring that Kosciuszko National Park is never again left to become a degraded horse paddock.” Snowy River guide, Reclaim Kosci founder and Invasive Species Council Indigenous ambassador, Richard Swain, said the decision comes as a relief. “Finally, Country can breathe and not suffer under the weight of a culture that puts a fictitious mythology above the reality of their damage to Country and the species that evolved there,” Mr Swain said. Nationals MLC, Nichole Overall, said her party is fighting for a ‘manageable’ way forward. Mrs Overall said the bill had been working and she will be moving amendments to the current bill when it comes to the upper house. “For almost 20 years there has literally been a battle to find a balanced way forward for the Snowy Mountains and the Brumbies - one that preserves the environment and recognises the heritage and cultural significance of the horses,” Mrs Overall said. “The Wild Horse Bill introduced by the Coalition in 2018, after much effort and emotion, was about achieving balance, ensuring horse numbers were no more than 3000 by 2027, in sub-alpine, historically habituated areas in order to also provide environmental protection. “That plan is working - Labor has admitted numbers are now between 1500 and 2900.” Mrs Overall said the amendments will include the ongoing recognition of Brumbies, the need for management but also for protection. “The Nationals are fighting for a manageable pathway forward - continuing responsible stewardship that protects KNP and maintains the connection with the history and culture of the Brumbies in the Snowy Mountains,” Mrs Overall said.

Mixed reactions to Wild Horse bill repeal

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