| Media Release - Horses in NP |
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HORSES IN NATIONAL PARKS ( Released August 2006 ) The National Parks Association of Queensland Inc (NPAQ) does not endorse Premier Beattie’s recent statement regarding horse riding being allowed to occur in National Parks.
NPAQ is concerned about the environmental impacts that the horses cause, specifically damage to tracks caused by the horses hooves and the spreading of weeds from the horses coats and seeds in their manure.
From our interpretation the recent announcement by the Premier is the same as his original statement regarding horse riding and therefore nothing has changed.
Ideally horse riding in National Parks should not occur. The government should look at alternate areas for the horse riders to access given the difficulty that arises trying to manage the situation when horses are permitted. Not enough money is currently being spent to maintain these areas and by enabling horses to access them, this will just contribute to the problems that already exist.
Current regulations allow horse riding in Conservation Parks and Recreational Reserves.
NPAQ would like to see the situation resolved and to ensure that National Parks are protected from the damage caused by horses.
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