The Andrews Labor Government has released a long-term plan to protect the Alpine National Park from the threat of feral horses.

Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the Protection of the Alpine National Park – Feral Horse Strategic Plan 2018-2021, which is backed by extensive scientific evidence and community consultation.

There are an estimated 2,500 feral horses in Victoria’s eastern alps, causing significant damage to threatened plant and wildlife species within the Alpine National Park.

The Victorian Alps is one of the state’s most distinctive landscapes, making its protection a priority.

As part of the Labor Government’s plan, the primary control technique will be to trap feral horses and rehome as many as possible. Those that cannot be rehomed will be humanely euthanised.

Following the release of the draft plan in 2017, Parks Victoria received around 1,000 submissions from stakeholders and the community.

More than 80 per cent of responses expressed support for managing the number of feral horses to protect the Alpine National Park and its vulnerable ecosystems.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Feral horses cannot be allowed to run rampant in the Alpine National Park – their hard hooves damage the precious environment and destroy the habitats of threatened species.”

“We have developed a strong plan to protect this treasured part of the world and we call on the NSW and the Turnbull governments to support it.”

Quotes attributable to Parks Victoria Chief Conservation Scientist Dr Mark Norman

“Parks Victoria has an obligation to protect and conserve the delicate environment of our Alpine National Park – and feral horse management is an integral part of that.”

“We look forward to working with our stakeholders in developing the operational plan and commencing the program later in 2018.”