The Australian Alps are a national icon. On the driest inhabited continent on earth, renowned for its extensive coastlines and vast desert interior, the Alps are recognised as an exceptional alpine environment. The region contains substantial heritage values ranging from specialised ecosystems to unique flora and fauna; from millennia of Indigenous cultural heritage to more recent European pioneering history and culture.

Despite this, the heritage-listed Australian Alps are under pressure from significant threats. Key among these is the threat posed by feral horses. Along with other introduced species, feral horses have caused significant damage to this fragile environment.

In order to preserve the fragile and unique Australian Alps, cooperation between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments is vital to protect and manage this National Heritage listed area. This will require collaboration to ensure state management is consistent with natural heritage values.

Report structure:

• The introductory chapter provides details on the referral and administration of the inquiry.
• Chapter 2 provides background information, including information on the Australian Alps and an overview of feral horses in Australia.
• Chapter 3 considers the impacts of feral horses on the natural environment, and discusses the observed detrimental impacts. This chapter also sets out the impact on Indigenous cultural heritage.
• Chapter 4 sets out advocate views for the retention of feral horses, and references to feral horses in Australia’s written culture.
• Chapter 5 discusses best practice management strategies for the effective control and removal of feral horses in the Australian Alps.
• Chapter 6 sets out the role of the Australian Government in managing and protecting the Australian Alps.
• Chapter 7 sets out the committee’s view, and makes recommendations.