NSW farmers unsure of new koala protection policy, green groups label it a ‘death blow’

New South Wales farmers say they are unsure what a new koala protection policy will mean for them.

Details of the new policy were unveiled yesterday after the NSW Liberals and Nationals made a deal on koala protection which gives more concessions to farmers.

The new planning regulations will leave them largely exempt from extra koala protection responsibilities.

Rural areas will be removed from the new State Environment Planning Policy on koalas and come under a new code that is yet to be developed.

Land that is zoned for farming and forestry will not be subject to the rules designed to protect koala habitat.

The changes will focus on high-conservation areas where 95 per cent of development occurs, and there’ll be specific plans…