A COMMUNITY group against commercial horse training on Warrnambool\u2019s beaches argues the activity might not be lawfully permitted, but the Warrnambool City Council says the situation is a very \u201ccomplex planning and land management issue\u201d.<\/p>\n
At a council meeting in early October, the council resolved that it would approve horse training on Levy\u2019s Point beach, subject to a number of conditions.<\/p>\n
The Belfast Coastal Reserve Action Group (BCRAG) believes commercial horse training is a major threat to the environment and public safety, and \u201cis most likely not a lawfully permitted activity in that area\u201d.<\/p>\n
The group also believes that Warrnambool City has seriously failed to consider its obligations under the Belfast Coastal Reserve Management Plan and the Crown Lands Act.<\/p>\n
A special council meeting was held on Monday night to discuss the issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would appear Warrnambool City Council is willing to sell our beaches and dunes to the racing industry for a fistful of dollars,\u201d BCRAG spokesperson Bill Yates said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur public beaches are being sold off. Who is actually running this council?\u201d<\/p>\n
In response, Warrnambool City chief executive officer Bruce Anson said the council was trying to clarify the management arrangements, and had received legal advice stating the Warrnambool Planning Scheme \u201ccontinues to apply to the reserve notwithstanding the ministerial consents\/permissions granted; and horse training or animal training is a prohibited use on the land to which the PCRZ land applies\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a very complex planning and land management issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe purpose of the meeting on Monday night was for council as the committee of management seeking to introduce certainty to access and use of Levy\u2019s Point beach, subject to this decision meeting all relevant governance arrangements.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A COMMUNITY group against commercial horse training on Warrnambool\u2019s beaches argues the activity might not be lawfully permitted, but the Warrnambool City Council says the situation is a very \u201ccomplex planning and land management issue\u201d. At a council meeting in early October, the council resolved that it would approve horse training on Levy\u2019s Point beach, […]<\/p>\n