Council targets feral horses with pest declaration
Date published: 7 October 2015
Townsville City Council will now have the power to direct land holders – including the State and Commonwealth Governments, to control feral horses on their properties.
A special council meeting today approved the emergency declaration of feral horses as local pests at the request of the State Government.
The emergency measure follows recent fatalities on the Bruce Highway caused by feral horses thought to be coming from the neighbouring Clement State Forest.
Deputy Mayor Cr Vern Veitch said the declaration was primarily directed towards State Forest Land, but would apply to all land owners including the council.
"Council has fast tracked the pest declaration to support the State Government in responding to the recent tragedies and the unacceptable safety risk these animals pose to the public," Cr Veitch said.
"While the council will still not have power to go on to private property to take action, the pest declaration will give the council authority to direct the State and other land owners to take action to control feral horses.
"State forestry land is the primary focus, but obviously every land holder including the council has a role to play.
"The Council will immediately inform the State Government of today’s declaration and we’re extremely pleased that they have already announced plans to control the feral horse numbers on their land.
"Council officers will now be talking to land owners along the highway in the wider Rollingstone area about the local law change and what this means for them.
"This will be done in a cooperative approach in the same way the council works with land owners in the control of wild dogs.
"Council also recognises the importance to look after our own backyard and our officers will be given additional resources for any control measures required on the area of land under council control in the northern area.
"No one likes the idea of culling animals, but public safety must come first and action has to be taken. It’s important that any cull of numbers is carried out in a humane way by appropriately qualified and authorised people."
Division 1 councillor Cr Sue Blom, whose area takes in the northern areas of the city, said urgent action was needed to address the feral horse problem.
"Council’s decision today is an extremely important step but it’s important that the pressure is kept up on all land owners, including the government, to act."
- Council feral horse actions:
- Declaration of feral horses as a local pest;
- Council now has powers to direct land owners to take action;
- Council to work cooperatively with land owners;
- Council will continue to support police in response to reports of feral horses near the highway or roads.
