No recreational horse riding in National Parks

The Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland and other conservation groups, including Gecko - Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment Council, urged conservation-minded members of the community to attend the official public Environmental Protection Agency 'Centenary of National Parks' celebrations at Witches Falls, Mount Tamborine, on Friday 28 March at 9am, and express their concern about the recent controversial decision by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh to allow recreational horse riding in Queensland's National Parks for the first time in the Parks' 100-year history.

No recreational horse-riding in National Parks bumper sticker

'Recreational horse riding should not be allowed in National Parks,' said Des Boyland, spokesman for Wildlife Queensland.
'At the same time that other states are working to exclude all recreational horse riders from their national parks, Queensland is working to allow them in for the first time', Mr Boyland added.

Wildlife Queensland was disappointed that the Queensland Government ignored agreements reached during stakeholder consultation in addressing this problem.

'National Parks are not declared randomly,' said Mr Boyland. 'National Parks are created in specific locations to protect areas of significant high biodiversity or sensitive landscape.'

'It is illogical to allow National Parks to become de facto active recreation reserves. The two uses are mutually exclusive.'

Conservation organisations, including Wildlife Queensland, advised the government against allowing recreational horse-riding in National Parks because of the inevitable disturbance to native wildlife and damage to habitat. (All native species are protected under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act.)

'Native animals have the right to feel safe in their habitat,' said Mr Boyland.

Recreational horse riding also has the potential to cause erosion, weed infestation and damage by hard-hoofed animals to sensitive areas that are rich in our unique wildlife.

Wildlife Queensland wants the state government to fund an alternative trails program on non-national park land for recreational horse riders.

The society will encourage its members and supporters to contact their local member; Andrew McNamara, the Minister in charge of National Parks; and the Premier to oppose the introduction of recreational horse-riding in National Parks.

For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities, contact us by email or call +61 7 3221 0194.