Gough said while it was understandable that after years of inaction, initial control efforts would be slow to take effect, the current rate of horse removal was nowhere near adequate.
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Feral horse management has been a controversial issue for the government. The current plan, which was signed off last year, is in part a reprise of the 2016 draft management plan that also called for the reduction of horse numbers to fewer “than 3000 in five to 10 years”.
However, at that time, there were only about 6000 brumbies in the Kosciuszko National Park, and the numbers have continued to swell, even taking into account the widespread fires in the park during the 2019-20 Black Summer.
In the past three years, National Parks and Wildlife Services has removed more than 10,000 feral animals, including nearly 7000 feral deer.
NSW Labor environment minister Penny Sharpe said it was concerning the number of horses had grown as it meant more damage to the park and waterways.
National Parks and Wildlife Services has been contacted for comment.
More to come.
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