NSW Farmers has voiced concern over the declaration of the Great Koala National Park, warning it risks worsening bushfire danger, biosecurity threats and community hardship in northern NSW.
President Xavier Martin said farmers support koala protection but argue that locking up land without active management will endanger both wildlife and rural communities. He noted that long-held Perpetual Grazing Leases and private forestry operations are among the areas affected, threatening livelihoods as well as timber resources.
Mr Martin said poorly managed parks have become havens for pests and weeds and are at risk of catastrophic bushfires, endangering the very koalas and greater gliders the park is meant to protect. He called for proper resources and science-based management to reduce wildfire risk, control pests, and monitor species populations.
