Horse trail network released

The Queensland Government has designated a network of horse trails throughout South-east Queensland forests.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, announced today that 547 kilometres of horse trails have been approved in five areas of South-east Queensland.

“Horse riders can now enjoy an integrated network of trails across South-east Queensland,” he said.

The South-east Queensland Horse Trails Network provides access for horse riders while protecting the natural environment.

“This has been a long and difficult trail for all those involved in finding the balance between horse riding, the need to protect the forests and fulfilling our election commitment,” Mr McNamara said.

“It clears the way for the gazettal of 200,000 hectares of state forest as national park which has been deferred until the network was finalised.

“The South-east Queensland parks horse trail network provides accessible and integrated horse trails in Noosa, Kenilworth-Mapleton, Caboolture-Bellthorpe, Western Brisbane (Brisbane Forest Park) and the Gold Coast.

“To enable these horse trail networks to be established in these proposed national parks, a special amendment will be made to the Nature Conservation Act.

“The decision to create the horse trail network on management roads adjoining these proposed national parks does not mean that horse riding will be allowed on existing national parks, and this commitment will not set a precedent for riding in other national park areas.

“Our primary concern always has been and always will be to protect the outstanding natural values of these proposed national parks.

“However, the Government recognised that horse riding has long been a part of Queensland’s lifestyle, which is why we made a commitment before the 2006 State election to provide horse riders with continued access.

“The biggest challenge has been to balance the need to protect our parks with the provision of recreational access.

“Horse riders will be restricted to formed management roads which will be clearly signposted.

“It will be an offence to ride anywhere other than the identified trails, and on-the-spot fines will apply.

“The impact of horse riding on the national parks will be closely monitored and regularly reviewed by a scientific advisory committee over a 20-year period, as well as managed on a day-to-day basis by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers.

“To minimise the impact on the important conservation values of the parks, all trails will be well signposted.

“There will be some fencing where appropriate and silt traps and designated watering areas will be installed throughout the horse trail network.

“Other measures to minimise the environmental impact on the parks include a code of conduct for horse riders, education for all riders on appropriate trail use and opportunities for horse riders to carry out trail care.”

Equine influenza continues to restrict the movements of horses in Queensland.

Horse riders should consult the DPI website for rules on the movement of horses across South-east Queensland.

Detailed maps of the horse trails are on the EPA website www.epa.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Emma Parnell 3336 8002 or 0488 746 891