"Koala war" in Australia - 21st September 2020

Australia's New South Wales government is arguing about its laws on koalas.

Some people have called the argument a "koala war". It's about a new law that protects koala's homes.

Australia is famous for its koalas. They are often called 'koala-bears', but, like kangaroos, they are actually marsupials. They live in forests in south-eastern and eastern Australia.

The bushfires in Australia during the 2019-2020 summertime burned a lot of forests. Lots of koalas died or were hurt. An inquiry found that all koalas in New South Wales could die out by 2050 without new laws.

The new policy protects the forests where koalas live. It stops people cutting down trees. It is more difficult for landowners to build on their land. Farmers are worried. Now, their land might sell for less money.

A coalition government runs New South Wales. The National Party works with the Liberal Party. But the National Party disagrees with the koala law. It thinks the law is bad for property owners. Now, the National Party won't help the Liberal Party make any more laws. However, the Liberal Party says koalas need this protection. It also says people in New South Wales like the law.

Animal charities are also nervous about the future. They feel that the law isn't enough to protect koalas.