Brumby protesters to march on NSW parliament

The Land understands hundreds will turn out to support the Snowy Mountains Bush Users Group call for government to change its Kosciuszko Draft Wild Horse Management Plan.

Coaches and trains are reportedly bringing passengers from across the south of the state.

The draft plan proposes culling 90 per cent of brumbies in the park within a decade – which is between 3600 and 9000 animals, depending on the population methodology you subscribe to. 

State Environment Minister Mark Speakman said brumbies were damaging the park's fragile alpine and sub-alpine environment.

Scientists also argue the wild horses harm native species and sensitive waterways. 

Opponents, including Snowy Mountains Bush Users Group president Peter Cochrane, say brumby numbers need to be controlled, but disagree with the scale of the cull and “cruel” methods suggested. 

Mr Speakman has ruled out aerial shooting, brumby running and roping as methods of culling.

Ground shooting, trapping, aerial mustering and fertility control have been suggested, as well as rehoming brumbies that aren’t killed. 

The protest will walk from the Domain at 9.30am via Hospital Road to Macquarie Street. 

The public consultation period for the draft wild horse plan has been extended until August 19.