A huge win for evidence-informed decision-making and the environment

Since our formation in 1954, the Australian Academy of Science has played a defining role in prioritising conservation, thereby influencing the evolution of national parks as we know them today.

As part of our sustained advocacy and in response to the 2018 NSW legislation that gave priority to feral horses over native species and mountain catchments, the Academy hosted a national conference so scientists could present the latest evidence on the threat feral horses posed to natural heritage values.

For many years, the Academy has provided evidence to demonstrate the catastrophic damage caused by feral horses to our fragile ecosystems and has been calling for the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act 2018 to be repealed.

The repeal of the Act is a huge win for evidence-informed decision-making. Congratulations to the NSW Parliament and the many advocates who have brought about change.

The Academy acknowledges the advocacy of the late Dr Graeme Worboys from the Australian National University and the late Dr Alec Costin AM FAA, Academy Fellow and ‘the father of Australian high mountain ecology’, who both contributed extensive expertise to decision-makers on this issue.

Our thanks also go to Dr Stuart Barrow, whose policy expertise as a member of staff supported the Academy’s efforts in this area.