"Clearly we are frustrated and certainly disappointed," she said.

“I attended the meeting on Monday night and the thing I was most disappointed about was Belfast Coastal Reserve Action Group. They certainly have the right to their views and opinions, but I thought it was quite rude and disappointing by heckling the councillors who were trying to express the reasons why they were voting. The only councillor who was allowed to speak was David Owen."

She said there were a few comments from the meeting that were totally misguided.

She said horses could train at both the racetrack, and on beaches as there were benefits to both.

"There are many benefits for horses exercising on the beaches," she said.

"They can work in straight lines then cool off in the sea water. You can't replicate that at a racetrack. The wading, swimming and recovery benefits can't be replicated. Just as human athletes do recovery at the beach so also do equine athletes. We are blessed to have those facilities here." 

She said trainers were trying their "very best to work in with the community and the environment".

"The council has imposed rules and regulations so that can happen," she said.

"I just don't believe that BCRAG represents the wider community, however they are entitled to their opinion. No-one wants to kill birds or hurt the environment. Most horse people are animal lovers."

Warrnambool Racing Club chief executive Peter Downs said the club was “surprised to read the news in relation to Levy's Beach”.

“We are still gathering more information on the overall issue,” he said.

“We are continuing to work with all groups involved in an attempt to gain a suitable outcome. Until we know anything more we are unable to comment further.”

​The Standard asked the council about the zoning of Lady Bay, and if there would be any changes after the latest developments. 

A spokesman responded, saying the council was authorised to issue permits for training on the beach.

"The zone around Lady Bay is Public Purpose and Recreation Zone (PPRZ)," he said.

"In 1981 the Victorian Government Gazette provided for permission to be granted for horses within the reserve, with ​council the authority responsible for the issuing of permits.​"​