GKNP legislation still leaves unanswered questions

Key points

• Legislation to create the Great Koala National Park has been introduced to NSW Parliament. The Government says the Bill adds more than 178,000 hectares of state forest and Crown land on the Mid North Coast, protecting habitat for an estimated 12,000 koalas.
• Thirteen per cent of the added land will be regional park, allowing activities such as bushwalking, camping and mountain-biking. Conservation groups welcomed the move but want more consultation and scientific assessment.
• Timber industry representatives and North Coast Nationals MPs raised concerns, including whether carbon credit arrangements were tied to the park's creation.