News media

The campaign to save the Panton Hill trails

In 2010 a council draft plan proposed cutting rider access from nine trails to as few as two. Over the following eighteen months riders, families and pony clubs made their case through submissions, a rally and a 1,547-signature petition — and won access to five trails. This is how the local press reported it.

Riders and children marching with Save the Trails placards

2 Dec 10 @ 01:36pm Diamond Valley Leader

by Shaun Campbell

Plan to protect bush hits Panton Hill riders

Horse riders at Bunjil Reserve are worried about a council plan to cut the number of trails from nine to two HORSE riders say they will be forced to use dangerous roads under a plan to ban them from riding on bushland trails near Panton Hill. Nillumbik Council’s draft management plan for seven bushland reserves in Panton Hill, Smiths Gully and Watsons Creek, released last week, allows horse riders access to three trails. But Kangaroo Ground Adult Riding Club members want two extra trails through Bulwidj and Bunjil reserves. Club member Sharon Banner said the only alternative to the links was dangerous roads. “They are little local links for horse riders to complete a safe ride,” Mrs Banner said. “They are part of a bigger ride we go along.” She said the present state of the reserves made “a very strong statement”. “These trails have been used by local horses for decades,” Mrs Banner said. “There is no evidence of major weed spread or infestation that can be in anyway attributed to horses using the reserves.” Kangaroo Ground Adult Riding Club district commissioner Ness Stables said horse riders could use nine trails in five of the reserves. She said the club would negotiate with the council during the plan’s upcoming consultation period. Cr Lewis Brock said he thought a “credible compromise” had been reached. “When it comes down to it, we want people to go there and appreciate it,” Cr Brock said. “I am sympathetic to those who feel most strongly that they have been cut out so I hope council officers will listen to the community.” Public consultation on the management plan starts this month with submissions expected to close mid-February. Details: nillumbik.vic.gov.au

Riders campaigning for Panton Hill trail access

15 Feb 11 @ 04:30pm Diamond Valley Leader

by Raelene Wilson

Riders fight for access to Panton Hill bush

Horse riders at Bunjil Reserve are worried about a council plan to cut the number of trails from nine to two. Ness Stables and Lars Hegmann are pictured riding through the bush reserve. HORSE riders are mustering to fight a Nillumbik Council bid to lock them out of bushland reserves. The council’s draft management plan for seven reserves at Panton Hill, Smiths Gully and Watsons Creek allows horse riders access to just four of nine trails. The public, including horse riders, bushwalkers and mountain bike riders, have had unlimited access to all nine trails since the council took them over in 2000. But the draft plan report says unregulated access has contributed to soil disturbance, compaction, erosion, habitat degradation, weed invasion and the loss of significant animal species. Nillumbik Horse Action Group’s Cathy Giles said horse riders were being unfairly punished. “There are no weeds along the trails,” Ms Giles said. “They have mainly come off water courses and crept in from the edges of the reserves. We have asked the council for evidence that horses have introduced weeds and they haven’t been able to provide it.” She said horse riders wanted to continue using five of the trails and to work with the council to maintain them. But Friends of Panton Hill Bushland Reserves System’s Peter Semple said horse riders should be banned from the reserves to protect rare and threatened species, including the valley cranesbill and showy violet orchids. “Horse riders continue to deny that horses spread weeds and cause erosion,” Mr Semple said. “Their environmental destruction, including weed dispersal and erosion, is scientifically documented.” Mayor Helen Coleman said trails where a ban was proposed would be replaced by nearby alternative trails. Public comment on the draft plan closes on February 25 and will be considered by council in April. Nillumbik Horse Action Group will hold a Save the Trails rally at 5.30pm next Tuesday, February 22 outside the council offices at Civic Drive, Greensborough.

Save the Trails rally at the Nillumbik Council offices

24 Feb 11 @ 04:00pm Diamond Valley Leader

by Raelene Wilson

Panton Hill reserve protestors not horsing around

Horse riders walked and rode to the steps of Nillumbik Council offices to air concerns about closure of horse trails in the shire. PROTESTERS got on their high horses earlier this week in a bid to stop Nillumbik Council locking them out of bushland reserves. More than 150 horse riders took to Nillumbik Council’s Greensborough offices on Tuesday, February 22 to rally against a draft plan for reserves at Panton Hill, Smiths Gully and Watsons Creek. Under the plan riders, who have had unlimited access to the trails since the council took them over in 2001, would have access to only four of the nine trails. Protesters, many of them children belonging to Nillumbik’s nine riding clubs, waved signs calling on the council to “save the trails” and “protect our children’s future”. According to the draft plan unregulated access to the trails has contributed to soil disturbance, compaction, erosion, habitat degradation, weed invasion and the loss of significant animal species. A petition with more than 1547 signatures was presented to Mayor Helen Coleman. Cr Coleman said it was important protesters recognised the management plan was only a draft. Public comment on the draft plan closed last week and will be considered by the council in April or May.

8 Jun 11 @ 07:00am Diamond Valley Leader

by Raelene Wilson

Chafing at the debate over Panton Hill reserves

Councillors heard from 40 residents, including horse riders, conservationists, scientists and children. NILLUMBIK residents pitched their cases for and against horse riding in the Panton Hill Bushland Reserves last Wednesday. Councillors heard from 40 residents, including horse riders, conservationists, scientists and children, on a draft management plan for the reserves at a meeting at Apollo Parkways Primary School in Greensborough. The DV Leader covered last week’s debate on the future of the Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System, live on Twitter. Public submissions were overwhelmingly in favour of keeping five of nine trails open to riders, a move Nillumbik Horse Action Group spokeswoman Cathy Giles said was a reasonable compromise. Young horse rider Lucy, 9, called on councillors to keep trails open to provide a safe place for children to ride away from roads, while student Jessica Riley described her near miss with a car near Smiths Gully. But former mayor Greg Johnson said the environment had lost its voice in the debate, which has focused heavily on horse trails. “The debate has been skewed by their alleged use right instead of the habitat value of the reserves,” Mr Johnson said. Hurstbridge resident Chris Andrews presented a photo slideshow of erosion and weeds in the reserves, including black nightshade and common horsetail, which he said had been introduced by horses. Mayor Helen Coleman said a lack of repetition in the submissions showed the complexity of the issue. Councillors will decide on the draft plan on June 28 at a meeting at Kangaroo Ground Emergency Centre.

Residents at the council hearing on the Panton Hill reserves

06 Jul 2011 @ 03:27pm Banyule & Nillumbik Weekly

Panton Hill Bushlands Reserve: horsing around given go ahead

Riding retained on four trails, with an advisory group and a code of conduct to follow. HORSE riders will retain the right to ride through Panton Hill Bushlands Reserve after Nillumbik Council passed a controversial management plan for the reserve. Last Tuesday, Nillumbik Council adopted the revised management plan for the bushlands which would allow horse riding on four trails through Wimbi, Bunjil, Bulwidj and Yirrip Reserves. The final plan backflipped on a 2010 draft plan which would have meant horse riding was banned from the Bunjil and Bulwidj trails. More than 130 submissions were received in response to the 2010 draft plan, and 40 people gave presentations to the council in May. Nillumbik mayor Helen Coleman said an advisory group would be formed to oversee the recreational use of the reserves. A code of conduct would also be created to protect the conservation values of the reserves, she said. Nillumbik Horse Action Group spokeswoman Cathy Giles said: “I’m delighted that horse riding has been recognised for its legitimate use of the trails for the past 50 years. These trails were set aside for the enjoyment of the community, not just the preservation of the bush.” While she acknowledged the impact of horse riding on the reserves, she said the lack of management of the reserves was “the single biggest cause of degradation”. She said the advisory group would allow both horse riders and conservationists to “turn our attention to improving the reserves”. Friends of Panton Hill Bushlands Reserve secretary Sueann Penrose said the group, which fought hard against horse riders, was very disappointed with the plan. “The council have had no thought for the future environmental integrity of the reserves. “We’re not anti-horses, but we think it is a shame the council bowed to pressure from the horse lobby.” Mrs Penrose said it might be difficult to reach a consensus on an advisory group. Friends of Nillumbik chairwoman Colleen Hackett said: “Public scrutiny will certainly be on riders who will have the responsibilities of being joint custodians of the reserves.” Ms Hackett welcomed the advisory group, and called on both horse riders and conservationists to work together.

Riders on the Panton Hill trails after the council decision

3 Nov 11 @ 12:04pm Diamond Valley Leader

by Shaun Campbell

Riders win access to Panton Hill bushland

Horse riders have been campaigning since last year. A CONTENTIOUS creek crossing leading to environmentally significant bushland at Panton Hill will remain open to horse riders. Nillumbik Council last week agreed to keep a path through Long Gully Creek open despite fears the crossing was unsafe. Mayor Helen Coleman said the decision, which opened access to Bunjil Reserve’s northern spur trail, was based on legal advice and information from Parks Victoria. She said signs warning trail users of the crossing’s hidden dangers, such as flooding, would be erected in the reserve and on Long Gully Rd. Nillumbik Horse Action Group chairwoman Cathy Giles said the move, which gives horse riders access to five trails in the Panton Hill bushland system — something they have campaigned for since last year — was great news for the community. “It is an outstanding result for those who value the reserves, not only for environmental reasons, but the recreational aspects of being able to ride and enjoy them,” she said. But Friends of the Panton Hill Bushlands Reserve System chairman Peter Semple said opening the crossing would spell disaster for the shire’s most precious recreation reserve. “Since the council’s recreational trail goes along Long Gully Rd this will encourage people from across Melbourne to ride through the reserve,” Mr Semple said. Ms Giles said she had put her hand up to join a committee to help maintain the 140ha Panton Hill bushland reserve system, which includes seven reserves in Panton Hill, Smiths Gully and Watsons Creek. Mr Semple said a member of his group had also expressed interest. Nominations will be reported to the council later this month.

Articles reproduced from the Diamond Valley Leader and the Banyule & Nillumbik Weekly, 2010–2011.

Trail Facts

Our position

Manage · Preserve · Enjoy

An appreciation of the environment and trail horse riding are not mutually exclusive. As residents, horse riders and people with an interest in and love of our neighbourhood bushlands, we appreciate that reserves are important for their outstanding natural features and the native plants, animals and ecosystem they sustain.

We as a community can balance environmental protection and conservation with recreational access through sensible co-operation, education and responsive management.

Trail horse riding is not a threat to native forests, national parks, reserves and roadside verges. Rather, it is a living legacy worth protecting as a community-based activity that aligns with the shared goals of public land enjoyment and conservation stewardship. With strategic collaboration and continued support, equestrian trail access can remain a safe, sustainable and celebrated feature of Nillumbik Shire and beyond.

Unfortunately, however, contentious claims can be made by representatives of the environmental lobby who oppose horse riding in natural areas, that it causes significant environmental damage.

These claims are not evidence aligned and do not account for the many dynamic factors that can have an impact on the natural environment. Horses are quite simply a visible ‘easy target’.

The most frequent claims that are ‘trotted out’ (pardon the pun), are that trail horse riding causes disturbance to vegetation, erosion, weed spread and can create user conflict.

These claims are often ideologically based and are largely unsubstantiated opinion, or based on a misinterpretation of the research. Sadly, the accusations have been repeated so frequently over time that they have become accepted by some as fact.

A human footprint pressed into the ground

All forms of human activity can have an impact on the environment

Common sense

While significant areas of the public land estate are infested by weeds, horses have limited access to many of those affected areas
Some of the most significant threats to the environment are from weeds not eaten by horses such as blackberries, cape broom, gorse, scotch thistle, boneseed and capeweed
Native animals such as kangaroos, wallabies and wombats regularly feed on the same pasture as horses and are free to roam, leaving their droppings throughout the bush – if horses can spread weeds, then they can too
Horse riders largely remain on established, formed trails and 4WD tracks where manure cannot germinate and mature into seed producing plants
There is no controlling the dynamic environmental conditions of wind, rain run-off and wandering animals (both native and pest species) that primarily contribute to weed spread and erosion

Birds / animals, wind and flowing water / run-off are far greater carriers of weed seed than trail riders

A grassy horse trail through the reserves

Trail design and management impact sustainability

Claim That horse riding creates erosion

Fact Horses can have an impact on trails, but realistically no more than walkers and significantly less than mountain bikes or vehicles on tracks which are not managed. Erosion on trails is mainly attributable to other dynamic factors such as significant rainfall events and topography, than to passive recreational use.

Research

This concept has been applied to recreational trails by Kuss (1986) who noted that, “almost any rainstorm or level of use impacts new trails, but that extreme storm events, or very heavy use, is needed to initiate change on existing tracks”.

“Impacts by horses on trails or roads formed for bushfire management and other vehicle use/access are minimal because of surface conditions and construction.” Beavis, 2000

“On the multi-use service trails approved for horse riding, there was no observed serious erosion. There was little evidence of off-site sediment deposition that could cause serious habitat degradation. There was no observed erosion that would jeopardize the integrity of the eco system associated with the trails.” Sawyer, 1999

Claim That only horses spread weed seeds

Fact Horses are a possible vector of seeds, but no more than humans carrying seeds on their clothing, footwear, socks, camping gear, bikes and vehicles. Machinery can also be a common carrier of weed seeds. Native and feral animals (including birds) which wander at large, and the natural elements of wind and water are greater vectors than horse riders using trails, where manure cannot propagate and mature into seed producing plants. The seeds likely to be ingested by horses are grass seeds, not the seeds of the weeds which pose a greater threat. Horses rarely consume the principal weed species.

Research

“Review of the available literature suggests that there is no causal link between horses and dispersal/establishment of weeds on national park trails.” Beavis, 2001

“The limited field evidence then suggests that horse manure is not a major contributor to the spread of exotic plants in conservation areas.” Horses for Courses, 1997, NSW NPWS — Conroy and Hart

Extensive research undertaken in the Duffy’s Forest Endangered Ecological Community when listing the area under New South Wales threatened species legislation concluded: “There were no areas of weed that could be directly contributed to horse activity. The diffuse nature of the manure appears to be incompatible with seed germination or simply, there are no weed propagules in the manure that are capable of establishing and persisting on these trails.” Sawyer, 1999

Many dynamic environmental processes can cause erosion

Stewardship

Environmental alignment

Trail horse riders regularly uphold trail ethics and stewardship practices that reinforce conservation priorities:

Trail ethics in practice

Everyday habits that protect the reserves:

Riding on designated multi-use trails and formed management roads
Accessing natural watercourses at established crossings
Participating in hazard identification, trail reporting, volunteer maintenance and citizen science
Supporting seasonal closures and ecological event responses

Compliance record and data-driven support

Both individuals and horse riding groups demonstrate strong compliance with access rules and trail etiquette:

High levels of voluntary adherence to designated trail usage
Low incidence of environmental breaches when education and signage are in place
History of successful partnership events with government oversight and risk management
Readiness to support citizen science initiatives, monitoring flora, fauna and trail integrity

These practices reflect a commitment to coexisting with and protecting natural ecosystems while safely and respectfully accessing public lands.

Community

Social, cultural and accessibility impact

Trail horse riding fosters unique contributions to Victoria’s public land experience as it:

Offers inclusive recreational access, especially for individuals with compromised mobility who are unable to walk long distances or engage in high-impact activities
Is especially popular amongst women and girls, who make up a significant proportion of participants in Victoria and across Australia
Builds intergenerational and regional connections, reinforcing cultural legacy and rural identity
Supports mental health and wellbeing through equine-based nature immersion
Encourages respectful interaction and improves behaviours amongst diverse user groups and increases awareness of natural values

Protected areas should remain spaces where cultural heritage and mental health and wellbeing are actively supported through low-impact engagement like horse riding.

Evidence

Scientific committee findings

The Scientific Monitoring Program for the South-East Queensland Horse Riding Trail Network — as detailed in the 2022 interim assessments for Bellthorpe, D’Aguilar, Mapleton, Springbrook & Nerang, Tewantin & Eumundi, and Woondum National Parks, confirms that regulated horse riding, when confined to designated trails and supported by stewardship practices, poses no greater environmental impact than other recreational uses.

Key findings across the six reports include:

Minimal disturbance to native vegetation on maintained trails

Low weed spread risk attributable to horse riding

No significant soil degradation or erosion beyond baseline levels

Effective mitigation strategies through signage, rider education, and seasonal closures

This validates the NHAG’s position that responsible equestrian access can coexist with conservation goals. The NHAG supports trail access, planning and management that is evidence-aligned and ecologically sustainable.

Queensland Government research, 2013

What communities, visitors and organisations actually say

Community attitudes and social impact

A 2013 study commissioned by the Queensland Government, Attitudes of Local Communities, surveyed residents living near six national parks involved in the South-East Queensland Horse Riding Trail Network. Key findings include:

Horse riding was viewed positively by both users and non-users of the parks, especially when compared to motorised activities like trail biking and four-wheel driving
Minimal social conflict was reported between horse riders and other recreational users
Local identity and sense of place were strengthened by equestrian access, particularly in peri-urban and rural communities
The report concluded that non-motorised activities like horse riding are socially acceptable and valued by nearby residents

Visitor sentiment and recreational harmony

A 2013 study commissioned by the Queensland Government, Attitudes of Local Park Visitors, surveyed 715 individuals across six protected areas containing horse riding trails. Key insights include:

Horse riding was perceived positively by most visitors, especially when compared to motorised activities like trail biking and four-wheel driving
Minimal conflict was reported between horse riders and other recreational users such as bushwalkers and mountain bikers
Visitors noted that horse riding contributed to the diversity of park experiences and was compatible with conservation values when conducted responsibly
The report concluded that non-motorised activities like horse riding are socially acceptable and valued by the majority of park users

Stakeholder perspectives and organisational support

A 2013 study commissioned by the Queensland Government, Perceptions of Stakeholder Organisations, surveyed 50 groups involved in conservation, recreation, and land management. Key findings include:

Horse riding was generally supported by recreation-based organisations, especially when conducted on designated trails
Conservation-focused groups expressed mixed views, with some citing concerns about environmental impact, while others acknowledged its cultural and community value
Stakeholders agreed that motorised activities like trail biking and four-wheel driving posed greater social and ecological risks than horse riding
The report recommended ongoing collaboration and education to align horse riding practices with conservation goals

These insights reinforce the NHAG’s position that horse riding is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially supported. Community sentiment should be considered alongside ecological data when shaping access policies.

These findings reinforce the importance of maintaining equestrian access as part of a balanced, inclusive approach to public land planning and management.

This highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement and the potential for shared stewardship models that balance recreation with environmental protection.

Looking ahead

The NHAG seeks to:

1 Maintain and protect current horse-riding trail access across eligible protected areas
2 Review and designate additional multi-use trails, especially where equestrian demand and land capacity intersect
3 Contribute to joint stewardship programs with land managers for trail monitoring, education and maintenance
4 Support accessible signage and clear trail mapping, reducing rider confusion and unintentional breaches
5 Promote the contribution of trail horse riding to rural identity, community wellbeing and vibrancy, and conservation awareness as part of broader land management strategies

Acknowledgement to the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association – Sustaining Horse Riding Access in Victoria’s Parks and Forests.

Nillumbik Horse Action Group Keeping Nillumbik’s trails open to horse riders

An informed voice for the horse riding community

A Code of Conduct for horse riders

Need to know more? Join others at NHAG. Stay informed today.

Safe Trail Riding Booklet

What the research actually says

How we won back the Panton Hill trails

Supporting horse riders' needs within the Shire of Nillumbik and beyond

What we set out to do

Horses have shaped Nillumbik for generations

History of the Nillumbik Horse Action Group Inc.

The Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System Management Plan

Background of the Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System

The origins of the Nillumbik Horse Action Group

Keeping council accountable

An appreciation of the environment and horse riding have never been mutually exclusive

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Out on the trails

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The campaign to save the Panton Hill trails

Plan to protect bush hits Panton Hill riders

Riders fight for access to Panton Hill bush

Panton Hill reserve protestors not horsing around

Chafing at the debate over Panton Hill reserves

Panton Hill Bushlands Reserve: horsing around given go ahead

Riders win access to Panton Hill bushland

NHAG articles

Prevent Cinnamon Fungus in our reserves

A sinister invader

Easily spread

Kinglake National Park

Mountain bikes and horses

A parent's worst nightmare

From the campaign

Trail Facts

Manage · Preserve · Enjoy

Common sense

Environmental alignment

Trail ethics in practice

Compliance record and data-driven support

Social, cultural and accessibility impact

Scientific committee findings

What communities, visitors and organisations actually say

Community attitudes and social impact

Visitor sentiment and recreational harmony

Stakeholder perspectives and organisational support

The NHAG seeks to:

Get in touch with NHAG

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