EFA Horse Industry Recovery Plan
Since the last newsletter at the end of September, we have had a number of meetings with Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran and other government bodies, pushing for a better outcome for our sport and the industry that exists around it. Yesterday, we wrote to the Minister proposing the "Back in the Saddle" (BITS) horse industry recovery plan. We have copied the letter and the outline of the plan to Federal Shadow Ministers and State Agriculture and Sport Ministers. This initiative asks for continued and increased assistance for those who have been affected by the Equine Influenza crisis. The key component is, however, a push for substantial funding to return horse sports to "normal" activity levels. Horse events are the lifeblood of the industry. They "feed" a huge network of individuals, businesses and communities. Without events, there is no sport, regardless of the level of competition, regardless of whether it is for "leisure" or professional. We need answersWe are trying to find out what planning is taking place at government level and what contingencies exist for a number of scenarios. It is very hard to get answers. Answers to questions like when authorities think this crisis will end, how it will end and what will happen if the virus cannot be contained and eradicated. We have requested a contingency plan for the vaccination of "performance" horses and related sectors like the sport horse breeding industry. We can't wait for ever as the spread continues and "deadlines" are extended. We realise that there are no easy answers, even with vaccination, but answers there must be, and they must come soon. Apart from the future of the sport on a broader base, preparations of Australian horses and riders for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games are under threat. Something needs to be done NOW! ___________ You can view the letter and today's press release on our web site. The response of State governments has differed greatly in terms of the type and the magnitude of the assistance they have provided. The racing sector has often faired better than the sport and "leisure" horse industry. Please contact your local State and Federal Member of Parliament, if you have not already done so. Even if you have, do it again. Make them aware of the problems you and your fellow equestrians have had as a result of the horse flu outbreak. Don't let them ignore you! Make it a good day! Franz Venhaus | ||
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