NSW Liberals and Nationals reach agreement on koala policy

The war over koala protection that almost ripped apart the NSW Government appears to be coming to an end.

The NSW Coalition government has made peace over the controversial koala policy that led to a public rift between the Nationals and Liberals last month.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Friday afternoon an in-principle agreement had been reached with the Nationals.

“We’ve arrived at a very sensible solution”, the Premier said.

NCA NewsWire understands a new version of the Koala Habitat Protection SEPP will exclude farmland from the regulations, a compromise both sides could accept.

Nationals leader John Barilaro’s brinkmanship over the issue nearly led to the collapse of the Coalition after he threatened to pull his members to the crossbench if the policy wasn’t amended.

Mr Barilaro eventually had to back down, and the party’s Deputy Leader, Paul Toole, took over the Deputy Premier chair in an acting role while Mr Barilaro took mental health leave.

Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said a ‘beautiful balance’ had been struck.

“The discussions have been difficult at times, but incredibly positive”, he said.

The new version of the policy will be taken to cabinet on Tuesday next week.

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