Changes to laws protecting koalas in New South Wales have sparked concerns with farmer lobby groups about the balance of biodiversity outcomes and the rights of landholders.

The number of tree species triggering koala checks on private properties was increased from 10 to 123 under changes to the Koala Habitat Protection State Environment Planning Policy due to fears the state’s koala population was seriously declining.

Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis threatened to step down to the crossbench if changes weren’t made, while Deputy Premier John Barilaro also raised concerns over the rights of property owners.

Minister for Planning Rob Stokes – who was responsible for implementing the policy changes – said he was willing to take feedback and hold consultations with farmers, as well as make appropriate changes, as long as they were based on science.

Biologist Martin Taylor released a report in 2018 warning NSW’s koala population would be extinct by 2050 if current land clearing operations continued at the present rate.

Image: AP

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