More than 200 people have agreed with Port Fairy-based MP James Purcell’s proposal that the beach should stay open for racehorses between February 1 and December 25 every year. Only four respondents were against the idea.

Mr Purcell launched an online petition after Moyne shire announced plans to close Killarney beach to horses and relocate to near the western end of Port Fairy Golf Club.

"The response showed what the general public wanted and that's to keep Killarney open for training of horses,” he said.

“We have a bit of work to do, like building a walkway at Killarney to protect the plovers, which will allow beach access for horses. But it can be done. We will also shut down during the major tourism time."

Mr Purcell will call on the Legislative Council to intervene and legislate that Killarney beach remain open.

"I'll  be writing to the Environment and Climate Change Minister Lisa Neville and the Racing Minister Martin Pakula next week about the situation," he said.

"We sit in Parliament in the week commencing October 10. The Killarney beach matter will be raised as well as the issues relating to Levys Point in Warrnambool."

Horses were banned from working at Levys Point this month after Aboriginal Affairs Victoria cautioned Warrnambool City Council about potential impacts of horse training on indigenous cultural heritage.