2017-04-27
Responding to a recent ban on racehorse training on Killarney Beach near Warrnambool, Greens Senator for Victoria Janet Rice today congratulated the Belfast Coastal Reserve Action Group for their successful community campaign.
“The local residents of the Belfast Coastal Reserve Action Group have been working incredibly hard to protect the fragile habitat of local migratory birds and this ban has been a great win for the community,” said Senator Rice.
“I joined the community at a rally on the beach and saw first-hand the threat to the beach and the migratory birds that this type of horse training posed.”
“Allowing racehorses on the beach is an inappropriate use of community space and causes serious damage to the habitats of vulnerable species such as the hooded plover. I understand there are also serious concerns about the safety of these activities and I share those concerns. A community beach is no place for a racehorse at full gallop.”
“While the Moyne Shire Council is to be congratulated for its decision, it is still very concerning that large areas of vulnerable habitat in the area remain open. We need to get all racehorses off beaches and into appropriate purpose-built facilities before they cause irreparable harm to these vulnerable habitats.”
“I look forward to continuing to work with local groups such as the Belfast Coastal Reserve Action Group to protect our beaches.”
Media Release Environment and Biodiversity