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Estimated 500 brumbies to be shot at Barmah Forest admitted by Andrews Labor government

The Victorian Government has confirmed that it plans to eradicate our brumby population, a move strongly opposed by Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull.

By news@gippsland - 6th June 2022 - Back to News

Under questioning in a recent Parliamentary committee hearing, the government admitted that 400 of the estimated 500 brumbies at Barmah Forest will be shot, commented its plan is to eradicate the entire Barmah population "over the forward years" and admitted to similar plans for the Alpine National Park brumby population.

A brumby family local to the Barmah Forest, photographed by Felicity Clay

Population can be controlled

Mr Bull said, "The clear feedback I have had from my community is that while brumby numbers need to be controlled, the government's estimate of numbers is inflated and shooting these wild horses is not the answer. I agree entirely, I think it's a disgrace."

"What is equally disturbing is departmental tender documents, which implement the eradication plan, further highlight the gruesome strategy adopted by Labor. The tender calls for the use of dogs to hunt the horses, that contractors will need to supply chainsaws, and hunted horse carcasses must be cut up and removed from view." Mr Bull said.

Brumby as an attraction

Mr Bull said there are businesses in East Gippsland that promote brumby sightseeing tours and they bring artists and photographers to our region - they are an attraction. "Our tourism businesses have suffered enough over recent years without the government coming in and shooting one of our spectacles."

"The Australian brumby population also has a strong connection to our heritage. On top of the Man from Snowy River connection, these horses carry the Waler blood of the Australian Light Horse that carried our soldiers into battle in WWI."

"The eradication plan is horrific in how they intend to do it. It is an inner-city driven assault on our history and culture. There are better and more humane ways to control numbers if it is required, but the first thing to do is properly assess numbers." Mr Bull Continued.

Rehoming and fertility controls

Mr Bull also said, "I've been advised they achieved the figure they did by surveying some areas, then extrapolating the figure out. The problem is, you don't do a population count of Victoria by counting numbers in the city and extrapolating it out over the entire area of the state."

"If we do need to control numbers, we should be looking at capture and rehoming and fertility controls, which are used in the United States with the wild mustang population - not eradication and certainly not eradication by shooting," Mr Bull said.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy.
• Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
  Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience.
• Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
  Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors.
• Gippsland students return to classrooms rated poor or below average, exposing Labor’s neglect of regional schools, says Danny O'Brien
  As Gippsland students return to school in 2026, 18 regional schools are rated poor or below average, highlighting Labor’s neglect and urgent need for infrastructure investment, says Danny O’Brien.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• Darren Chester applauds Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, showcasing student enthusiasm and schools' vital role in regional life
  Darren Chester joined Tim Bull at Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, praising student enthusiasm, community spirit, and schools' vital role in fostering connections, participation, and regional community life through fun events
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
  The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector.
• Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
  A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow.
• Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October.