Steve Whan MP
Member for Monaro

Repeal of the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Bill clears the way for real environmental restoration

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, 28 November 2025

Member for Monaro Steve Whan has welcomed yesterday’s decision by the NSW Parliament to repeal the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Bill 2018, saying the change is a long-overdue return to sensible, science-based management of Kosciuszko National Park.

“The Snowy Mountains are one of the most fragile and unique environments in Australia,” Mr Whan said.
“Passing the repeal legislation means we can focus on protecting the park itself, rather than elevating an introduced species above the endemic plants and animals that rely on this landscape.

“Kosciuszko National Park is represented by three members in the parliament: Member for Wagga Joe McGirr (who moved the bill), the Liberals’ Justin Clancy from Albury and myself. It was great to see all three of us supporting this bill.”

Mr Whan said the previous legislation had hampered proper environmental management and placed the park’s ecosystems at unnecessary risk.

“That law tied the hands of land managers and undermined decades of conservation work. It was the wrong approach for a national park, and the Parliament has now taken the responsible step of removing it.”
The change will allow the Government to continue implementing the current wild-horse management plan, which aims to reduce numbers to sustainable levels while working respectfully with local communities.

“Wild horse numbers are now low enough to manage them using ground-based methods, including re-homing. That is welcome, though I would note aerial culling needs to continue for other feral species including deer and pigs,’’ Mr Whan said.

“I understand the connection some people feel to brumbies, but acknowledging that history doesn’t mean we should ignore the damage being done to alpine wetlands, streams, and endangered species habitats.

“Healthy national parks underpin our tourism industry, support local jobs, and protect the water catchments that feed the entire Murray–Darling Basin system. What happens in Kosciuszko doesn’t just matter locally — it influences water security for communities hundreds of
kilometres downstream. This is about safeguarding what makes the Snowy Mountains special.”