The 2016 plan was not implemented because of opposition from John Barilaro, the Nationals leader and local member, who instead successfully championed the passing of the so-called “Brumby Bill” that legislated protection for the exotic animals in a national park.

“This draft plan takes on board both the views of the Scientific Advisory Panel and the Community Advisory Panel, with all elements of this document agreed to by the two parties,” Mr Barilaro said on Friday.

“This is an issue that is close to the hearts of many, and it is extremely important that we not only find a way forward, but the right way forward, so please provide your feedback,” he said, adding the plan was open to public feedback until November 2.

Under the latest plan, about half of the national park that is currently free of horses will remain so. Horses will be removed from a further 21 per cent of the park. The horses will continue to graze in areas totalling about a third of the park, such as the Kiandra plains.

Trapping and rehousing of horses will be one control method, as will ground shooting. Aerial shooting, though, will not be part of the plan because there is a “significant risk” that its implementation “will result in a loss of the social licence to remove wild horses from the national park”, the draft plan states.

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“Aerial shooting is used throughout Australia to control feral herbivores,” Mr Tresize said.

Peter Cochran, a former Nationals MP and brumbies advocate, said the “devil will be in the detail if drafted by the National Parks & Wildlife Service”.

“Negligence on [Mr Kean’s] behalf in not conforming with the legislation for three years [caused] ongoing unnecessary community conflict,” he said.

“The legislation was drafted to disperse community conflict, provide a workable plan of management and protect the horses and cultural heritage.”

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