Almost three years ago the jump in race horses being trained on beaches and in sand dunes was put on the agenda over safety and environmental grounds.

Questions were being asked like: Why should a commercial business ride roughshod over the public at the expense of the environment, including protected birds? Shouldn’t the industry fund its own facilities? Why shouldn’t we support a $100 million a year industry?

It took more than 15 months for the state government to finalise a management plan it claimed to have found a balance by restricting numbers and areas.

So why are we only now being told it’s illegal for horses to exercise at Levys Point beach and dunes? Why did it only emerge mid-debate at this week’s special Warrnambool City Council meeting (the second in three weeks on the issue)? Why did council staff not start with: ‘What is legally allowable?’ Why did a majority of councillors after being told legal advice was “non conclusive” at this stage vote to approve a five-year lease for trainers on Levys for horse activity? What does this mean for the future of the industry and council’s oversight of use of the area?

The state government has questions to answer too. How could it develop a management plan setting out areas for horses without considering the legality of it? What will it do now? What happens to trainers from the end of next month who won’t be able to access Lady Bay for summer and Levys is off limits? The Standard has asked these questions. Sadly, thus far, few answers have been forthcoming. Instead of racing to respond, heads appear to be in the sand.