|
Horse owner committee formed |
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Friday, 19 October 2007 |
Slipper vows to take group’s concerns directly to minister.
Member for Fisher Peter Slipper
has vowed to bring the concerns of local “recreational’ horse owners
directly to the attention of the federal agriculture minister, Senator
Peter McGauran. Mr Slipper addressed some 200-horse owners at the
Nambour rally organised by the Northcoast Active-riders Group (NAGS) to
raise awareness of the concerns of those in the non-racehorse sector.
The major issues from those at the meeting included that vaccines were not available to purchase for those in the non-racehorse sector who wished to proactively vaccinate their horses.
“ It is important to recognise that horses owned by so-called recreational horse owners are just as valuable as those in the commercial horse racing industry, so it is important that the authorities consider making the vaccines more widely available to these owners,” Mr Slipper said.
| "Mr Slipper addresses the horse owner's meeting"
|
Mr Slipper was the only federal MP to attend the rally, which heard that the crisis is having a significant financial affect on equestrian instructors, pony clubs and riding schools as well as support industries such as farriers, saddleries, feed suppliers and transporters. Mr Slipper urged owners to contact Centrelink to take advantage of support services. He urged horse owners to visit the Australian Government’s website that has been established to help disseminate information: www.outbreak.gov.au.
The website includes information about Equine Influenza as well as details about the Australian Government support programs introduced.
Beerwah based vet Dorothy Hofman, who raised the plight of recreational horse owners in last week’s Range News, said one of the main problems was that the group had had no united voice and now there would be a committee forming to give them this voice. “I’m hopeful now that, following the meeting, we have a representation from across the many recreational horse organizations with Natalie Nichols as a liaison officer,” Ms Hofman said. “Horse owners should contact the Queensland Horse Council. The other problem we have is keeping the issue to the forefront now that a federal election has been called.”
For information about the horse council, visit www.qldhorsecouncil.com
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 19 October 2007 )
|
Range News 2005 - ON 
