“State Labor has committed to the park in support of the wider community’s concern about the threat posed to koalas and desire to see something done,” Ms McAllister said.

Having grown up in Murwillumbah in the 1970s, she said she had seen the relocation of koalas from that area in the 1980s and been exposed to the environmental issues of that time.

A former ALP President, Ms McAllister said  she had received a lot of “science-based thoughtful information” from the National Parks Association regarding the current climate for koalas and the environment in NSW.

“I am, here to see it (the areas proposed for the GKNP) first hand.

MORE: Koala Park not a gimmick

“Commitments made to reduce land clearing in NSW and Queensland are being seriously wound back with alarming implications for habitat.

“Federal Labor is thinking hard about creating a good set of environmental laws that can respond to the challenges across all tenures (ie: public and privately-owned land).”

She said the decline in the koala population was not only due to habitat destruction but it was a major factor.

“I am here to connect with local stories, stories that are unfiltered – these are important when we advocate on this issue.

“Decisions may be science-based but they need a human perspective.”

Mr Woodward said Labor was working to bring business, government, experts and the community together in order to protect these animals.

“We are planning a Koala Summit – we need everyone at the table to find a cohesive solution between all levels of government and the communities,” Mr Woodward said.

“In terms of what the current NSW Government is proposing, Sate Labor is against anything that weakens environmental protections.

“Yes, there is a place for a timber industry – but where and how is what is important.”

Ms McAllister said it was shocking to see how the reactionary forces in the Liberal Party had taken over the party room.

Fear for our forests mounts

Things are sounding good at 2BBB