Results of aerial audit of horses in Kosciuszko National Park due soon

The results of an aerial audit of wild horses in the Kosciuszko National Park are expected within weeks, once again saddling the state government with the choice between saving the Snowy River brumbies or the fragile alpine environment.

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The state government faces being saddled again with an impossible choice between saving the Snowy River brumbies or the fragile alpine environment.

The results of an aerial horse survey of Kosciuszko National Park are expected in the next few weeks and will again present the government with the dilemma of what to do with thousands of feral horses.

A 2014 survey estimated there were around 6000 horses in the park — a number the disbanded NSW Office of Environment and Heritage declared was damaging native flora and fauna.

The results of an aerial horse survey of Kosciuszko National Park are expected in the next few week. Picture: Paul McIver

But government plans released in 2016 to shoot, trap or sterilise the brumby population down to a mere 600 caused an uproar and had to be dumped.

Under the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Bill introduced last year by Nationals leader John Barilaro in the lead-up to the state election, the government must prepare a management plan that identifies how the heritage value of sustainable wild horse populations will be protected “while ensuring other environmental values of the park” are also maintained.

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The Bill does not preclude the removal of horses beyond the level to be deemed “sustainable”, with a focus on rehoming rather than slaughtering.

Just how the many horses will be removed — if any — will be up to a Wild Horse Community Advisory Panel, comprising representatives from the recreational, animal welfare, alpine tourism sectors and the community.

Nationals leader John Barilaro.

Brumbies on a baited trapsite. Picture: Paul McIver

While the committee does not comprise any scientists or environmentalists, the Bill requires a senior National Parks and Wildlife Service officer to attend the Panel meetings.

Even before the count is released, a 16-year-old boy was recently reportedly struck by a feral horse as a mob galloped through a camping ground within the park.

Photographs of feral horses walking along roadways around the park have also emerged.

The five-year survey was conducted by the Australian Alps Co-operative Management Program, which includes representatives from both NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Parks Victoria.

A statement issued by the program said the survey was designed to determine how much the numbers of horses had changed in five years.

A 2014 survey estimated there were around 6000 horses in the park. Picture: Paul McIver

“The 2014 survey was a significant step-up in scale from previous years and produced

population estimates that were far more precise than its predecessors,” it said.

“The results of this large scale aerial survey will give the most comprehensive picture to date

of wild horse numbers, range and population trends across the Australian Alps.

“It is vital information that will contribute to future scientific research and inform evidence based adaptive management by Parks’ agencies.”

It is understood the same key people involved in the 2014 count were involved in this latest count, with the final brumby numbers to be released in the coming weeks.

A spokesman for Nationals leader John Barilaro said management of the brumby populations was “essential” in maintaining a sustainable balance in the park.

“The objective of the Act is to identify the heritage value of sustainable wild horse populations within identified parts of the park,” he said.

“That means managing brumby populations to a sustainable level.

“That would make management of brumby populations essential in maintaining a sustainable balance in the National Park.”