Mr Howard labelled the plan as a “sad farce”.

"I’m stunned by what I’ve seen so far,” he said.

“This is not a coastal management plan, it’s a coastal industrial racehorse training plan. The plan allows 200-250 horses per day in the Belfast Coastal Reserve.”

Mr Howard said that was in direct contrast to the information on a fact sheet circulated by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning just over a year ago.

He said the fact sheet stated the number of horses permitted to train on beaches within the Belfast Coastal Reserve would be reduced to a maximum of 65.

“It is beyond belief that, as a community, we are asked to sacrifice our beaches, our last wild places, for a destructive commercial operation, to benefit a few, with no real net gain,” he said.

“These beaches are home to our deep cultural history, threatened shore birds and the mystery of the Mahogany Ship. They are our public commons and they belong to us, the people, not just a select few for commercial gain.

“For 21 years, the Tarerer Gunditj Project have fought to draw attention to the rich cultural and environmental significance of the Belfast Coastal Reserve.

“Over the years, thousands of community volunteer hours have also been dedicated to protecting wildlife, replanting native trees and restoring wetlands and beaches. Twice in the report, Gunditjmara traditional owners say no. As a community, we have no vested interests at all, other than protecting the country and its creatures and our community.”

Mr Howard said the plan could effect Labour’s hold on power in Victoria. 

“The Andrews government needs to be held to account for what has now become a sad farce, the Northcote by-election should have been a wake-up call,” he said.