The Liberal Nationals have listened to communities in Victoria’s High Country and are supporting their calls for the Andrews Government’s brumby cull to be halted.
Brumbies are an iconic part of our State’s cultural identity, and whilst maintaining biodiversity in Victoria’s parks is necessary, any management of brumby populations must be conducted ethically and sustainably.
High Country communities have made it clear they don’t support Labor’s brumby cull. Even the Andrews Government’s 2018 Feral Horse Strategic Action Plan recognised this, finding that shooting had “limited public support” and should only be used as a last resort.
It’s estimated there are about 300 sambar deer for every brumby in Victoria’s High Country.
Comments attributable to Leader of The Nationals, Peter Walsh:
“Daniel Andrews is ignoring country communities and Labor’s own policy by pushing ahead with this cull.
Despite targeting brumbies, other destructive animals like deer, wild dogs and pigs are running wild through our national parks and forests because the Andrews Government has failed to put appropriate control measures in place.”
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Environment, Bridget Vallence:
“The Andrews Labor Government has failed to adequately engage in public consultation before deciding to shoot brumbies. Minister D’Ambrosio has gone missing in action, and must immediately intervene to stop this cull and engage with regional communities.
A cull is not the only option available to the Government to manage brumbies. The Liberal Nationals believe more effort should be made to prioritise mustering and rehoming of these majestic animals. Any government plan must be humane and recognise the important and unique contribution of brumbies to our national cultural heritage.”
