Belfast Coastal Reserve Action Group spokesperson Bill Yates made the statement following concerns voiced by Australian Trail Horse Riding Association Warrnambool branch spokesman Gordon Forth that “vigilantes” were putting nails and a buried star picket in areas used by horses within the reserve.

“BCRAG does not condone any actions taken that endanger the safety or well-being of those that live on the beach (wildlife) or those who visit the beach (humans, dogs, horses, etc),” Mr Yates said in a prepared statement.

While Mr Yates said BCRAG believed that “large scale high impact commercial horse training” did not belong within the reserve, recreational riding “can have a place”.

“BCRAG recognises recreational riding can have a place in the reserve as long as it is regulated and conducted in a manner that respects Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, the highly sensitive ecological areas, wildlife and the safety and enjoyment of the public,” he said.  Mr Yates said BCRAG was formed in 2016 after a “dramatic increase” in the number of commercial horse trainers using beaches in the reserve.

“The group is comprised of local volunteers who since December 2016 have committed to a Community Beach Monitoring Program, to ensure the adherence of commercial horse trainers to the temporary permit system,” he said. 

Mr Yates said the group’s main objective was bringing together a variety of groups and agencies to establish a co-ordinated management plan for the Belfast Coastal Reserve.