Closing Killarney beach for horse training in summer is one option facing Moyne Shire.
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The shire revealed at a meeting this week with south-west horse trainers and owners that it was under pressure from beach goers to reduce access for horses at Killarney.
The shire’s manager of environment and regulatory services Robert Gibson told the meeting in Warrnambool on Tuesday he would present a report to councillors with four options.
He said the options included closing Killarney beach for horses for a period over summer, banning access altogether in the peak time, varying hours when horses could be worked on the beach or maintaining existing arrangements.
"We've had some complaints over the busy summer period regarding horses at Killarney," Mr Gibson said.
"It's all about safety, damage and the environment.
“We understand what the economic impact is from having horses trained here.
“At the end of the day, we have two user groups wanting to use the same place at the same time."
Mr Gibson revealed usage at Killarney could rise with three applications to set up stables in the shire working their way through the permit process.
The number of horses taken to Killarney beach in summer increases dramatically because of restrictions at Warrnambool that prevent horses at Lady Bay between December and March.
Trainer Mitch Freedman, who has purchased a property at Crossley, said working horses along the beach and in the dunes at Killarney were the foundation of his operation.
"I have 30 horses in work at Crossley," he said.
"I use the Killarney beach every day and we don't normally have a problem but with Warrnambool closed over the summer, they come out to Killarney.
“I would be forced to move if Moyne Shire try and introduce any cuts to our access."