‘Koala war’ throws Australian state into political chaos – By Renju Jose (Reuters) / Sept 10 2020
SYDNEY (Reuters) – A dispute over policies to protect koalas has split the governing coalition in the Australian state of New South Wales in a political drama dubbed the “koala war”.
The row revolves around a new policy that restricts construction in the habitats of the marsupial, an Australian emblem.
An inquiry in June found koalas, which live in eucalyptus forests, could become extinct by 2050 in New South Wales unless the government immediately intervened.
Land clearing for agriculture, urban development, mining and forestry had been the biggest factor in the loss of habitat.
But State Deputy Premier John Barilaro of the Nationals said his rural-focused party would no longer support government legislation unless changes were made to the koala habitat protection policy.
Continue to article: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-australia-politics-koalas/koala-war-throws-australian-state-into-political-chaos-idUSKBN2610VD?il=0
