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The NSW government will consider aerial shooting to better tackle feral horse numbers as their population continues to swell in Kosciuszko National Park.

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe announced on Monday that the government was seeking feedback on the proposed amendment that would help reduce feral horse numbers and protect more than 30 native threatened species.

The government will consider aerial shooting of feral horses as part of its new management plan.Credit: Wolter Peeters

“Recent reports show that without action, wild horses could tip threatened species to extinction. There are simply too many wild horses for the park to cope,” Sharpe said.

“NSW is not on track to meet the wild horse population targets under the legislated Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Management Plan, which is why we must consider the introduction of aerial shooting.”

Feral horse populations in the park have increased by more than 30 per cent in two years despite the state government setting reduction targets, prompting experts to demand a bigger culling effort.

The current plan, which was signed off last year, is, in part, a reprise of the 2016 draft management document that also called for the reduction of horse numbers to fewer than 3000 horses in five to 10 years. The number of feral horses could increase to 50,000 in the next decade.

Sharpe said aerial shooting, if approved, would be carried out by skilled, highly trained shooters to the highest animal-welfare standards.

Jack Gough, advocacy manager at the Invasive Species Council, said the government voicing that it was open to changes in policy showed that there had been a shift in mood on the issue.

“In recent years, Australians have become better informed about the damage feral horses are doing to our wildlife and fragile alpine streams,” he said.

“No one likes to see animals killed, but the sad reality is that we have a choice to make between urgently reducing the numbers of feral horses or accepting the destruction of sensitive alpine ecosystems and habitats, and the decline and extinction of native animals.”

Earlier this year, Sharpe visited Kosciuszko National Park and saw the impact feral horses were having on the environment.Credit: James Brickwood

”Without a change to remove the arbitrary prohibition on aerial shooting, the sad reality is that feral horse numbers will keep growing and our native wildlife will pay the price.”

Earlier this year, Sharpe said existing management measures, such as trapping, rehoming and ground shooting were enough to hit the target.

The management of brumbies has become so controversial that NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service staff suffer constant harassment for doing their work. Over the past few years, this has escalated to online stalking and even a threat of firebombing.

Stakeholders can provide written submissions until September 11, after which Sharpe will then consider any changes to the feral horse management plan.

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