The photo shown is the actual number of protesters, at most 40 or 50 people.

Estimates of "the biggest crowd in recent memory", those in support of the democratic council vote were in the vicinity of 250 to 300 people.

The Labor Government plan for the horse training facility was well received by five councillors, all councillors spoke well, each giving their well informed opinion.

David Owen spoke from his green perspective and was well received and his vote against. It was of some concern that the democratic vote was treated with disrespect by BCRAG members.

Christopher Watt, Warrnambool

Which members of the Warrnambool City council believe in climate change? What has this to do with the council and its decision to allow horses on the beach and in the dunes?

With forecasts of rising sea levels that have started now with the melting of ice on the poles, I ask you to think where you live; are the existing dunes, not our first line of defence against storm surges to protect your property?

Has Port Fairy already starting to build sea walls this year in front of the dunes at East Beach because of storm surges eroding their dune line in front of the old tip and houses?

Horse training on the beach runs the risk of destroying the natural eco system on the beach that holds together the dunes’ fragile first defence in repairing the dunes after storm surges.

This eco system also feeds many birds and fish that rely on this food source that horses trample in and kill. Does that not also bring the tourists into the district, fishermen and nature walkers?

I ask all home owners that are below assumed sea rises; please if you believe like farmers and scientists that climate change is real, do you feel safe with a council that jeopardies the health of your dunes’ first defences system for profit of a few.

Please speak up, let your council know; their decision will be on record for their children to read in years to come.

They’re responsible for their actions and you the ratepayers are also responsible to speak up because you employ them.

Yes we own 50 acres that will be lost to the sea should the dunes disappear, so we too like you have vestured interests in Moyne and Warrnambool councils protecting the eco system of the dunes, as do my farming neighbours adjoining Kelly’s Swamp.

I ask Warrnambool councillors to consider their actions for allowing horses on the beach, for without a healthy eco system you have effectively stolen our children’s future, and so history will judge you for iit.

Build an exercising facility at the racecourse and save our beaches.

Robert Rowley, Illowa                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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