Since summer there has been a surge in the number of horse trainers using the beaches between Warrnambool and Killarney for training race horses. 

Horses have been galloping past people on the beach, some of the horses have been unpredictable,access on/off the beach is dangerous, the carparks are full of floats and the locals are left with poo and stench. 

But the most critical effects of the horse training has been on the beach birds trying to nest.  Horses have been galloping over the soft sand at the…

Common sense tells me the plan by Moyne Shire, DELWP and Parks Victoria to allow racehorse training on the eastern section of Port Fairy’s East Beach, is ill-considered. It undermines substantial efforts in recent years to counter aggressive dune erosion, dispersal of tip materials and to stabilise the ever-shrinking beach. But even if common sense does not prevail, the law will. Between August and April each year, this is a nesting area for Hooded Plovers and habitat for other vulnerable shorebirds that…

I would not have believed it had I not smelled it myself.  What is the go with the horses down at the foreshore? Many people have been complaining about the awful smell of urine left behind after they have left. Being so close to the cafe surely this cant be right. I love horses but I am sure that the health and safety people would be interested in a letter from me letting them know what is going on so close to food preparation. How much longer is the commitment and are they building their own place to deal…

As someone who has spent many years as a track rider in the racing industry, and having family and friends who live in the Warrnambool and surrounding areas, I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of both sides of the argument regarding the usage of the beach for horse training. 

I know how beneficial it is for horses to use the beach, especially for recovery in the salt water after races, and it adds variety and mental stimulation to a horses every day routine.  But there is literally no way to…

Focus must turn to protecting the environment 

I WAS shocked to see James Purcell’s support for commercial racehorse training at Killarney Beach. This is a place for public enjoyment and environmental conservation. The very limited interests of an industry group should not outweigh those for which the reserve was created and has been cared for by landcare groups, conservationists and general public who just want a peaceful place for quiet recreation and wildlife. 

Mr Purcell’s position would lead to the…

We must save our beaches for future generations 

THE recent controversy of commercial training of horses on Killarney beach has escalated and raises broader issues. It is becoming a farce. 

Earlier this year, local Killarney resident, Bill Yates, raised concerns over the exponential escalation of commercial racehorse training on Killarney and other beaches. Despite what some say, this was a new phenomenon. There had always been Rundles trail rides, operating under permit, some small local trainers doing…

Dear Mr Purcell, 

I was shocked to see your support for commercial racehorse training at Killarney Beach.  This is a place for public enjoyment and environmental conservation.  The very limited interests of an industry group should not outweigh those for which the reserve was created and has been cared for by landcare groups, conservationists and general public who just want a peaceful place for quiet recreation and wildlife.  Your position would lead to the extinction of the Hooded Plover at Killarney and…