Equestrian Industry Faces DestructionUnless Horse Flu Assistance Urgently Boosted

MEDIA RELEASE
EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA

October 9, 2007

Equestrian Industry Faces DestructionUnless Horse Flu Assistance Urgently Boosted

The horse flu virus is destroying the Australian equestrian industry and urgent additional government injections of cash and other support is required, Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA) President Geoff Sinclair said today.

The EFA has outlined the action needed to revive the equestrian industry in a national plan, sent to Federal and State Governments and other stakeholders.

“At stake is the future of more than 14,000 equestrian businesses, employing 30,000 staff,” Mr Sinclair said.

“Also under threat is our standing as a leading equestrian nation - the three Olympic equestrian sports and Paralympic competitions in Australia are now at risk, especially for the 2008 Games and beyond.”

Mr Sinclair said events are the lifeblood of the industry and without them the sport and individuals and businesses that make a living from the horse industry will suffer long-term damage.

“We have proposed a $20 million government-funded “Back in the Saddle” (BITS) program to kick-start horse participation from grass roots to Olympic and Paralympic level after the cancellation of thousands of local, state, national and international events, shows and rallies since August.”

Mr Sinclair said the EFA is also seeking an immediate vaccination program for equestrian horses in all States if the Equine Influenza outbreak has not been brought under control by November.

“Over 30,000 horses are held up in infected areas and this number grows daily. Without assistance 250,000 horses and riders could disappear from the sport.”

Mr Sinclair said other key elements of the EFA plan are:

Ø Implementation of an interest relief scheme funding 50 per cent of the cost of business and private loans for those whose income is suffering, and other measures similar to the drought relief / exceptional circumstances scheme; and

Ø Extension of the current $110 million horse industry assistance package from November for a further six months, including allowing people to re-apply for $1,500 emergency funding.