It's designed to provide increased protection for koalas, but NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro says this new policy is a disaster for farmers — here's why he's prepared to die on this hill.
Previously, a landowner did not have to consult their local council and could present their development application directly to the Department of Environment, Energy and Science for approval.
The new regulations effectively mean farmers have to jump through more hoops if they want to clear land.Previously, the policy identified 10 koala feed trees based on science from 1995, and studies localised to NSW's North Coast. Mr Barilaro says the new guidelines go too far, and singled out the inclusion of the cypress pine — a widespread species — in the new list of trees as being particularly egregious.Who is backing the bill?
Nature Conservation Council chief executive Chris Gambian described the updated guidelines as "an extraordinary hill for the Nationals to want to do die on".
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