NSW: O'Farrell Bull: "Scientific Grazing" in National Parks

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Environment Minister Robyn Parker said the trial would only be conducted on land where grazing permits were issued when the areas were State Forests.

She said that to enable graziers to adapt to the change to national parks, these permits had been extended to 2016, but no new land will be opened up to grazing for the trial.

"The trial will examine the social, economic and ecological impacts and benefits of grazing," she said.

Former National Party MLC Richard Bull will act as independent facilitator to oversee the project and report back to the minister.

"As part of his role, Mr Bull will consult with relevant regional committees as well as stakeholders and experts, including the River Red Gum Scientific Advisory Committee," Ms Parker said.

"Representations from local members, notably the Member for Murray Darling John Williams, indicated there was an opportunity to continue stock grazing in these areas."

Opposition environment spokesman Luke Foley said allowing grazing in national parks was the latest in a long line of attacks on the State's national parks estate by the O'Farrell Government.

"Hard hoofed animals have no place in our national parks. Allowing cattle into our national parks would have a terrible impact on fragile plants and soils," he said.

"Our national parks provide a refuge for more than 1000 endangered species of flora and fauna, as well as protecting precious landscapes.

"Letting the graziers into NSW national parks would have a devastating impact on our native animals and plants.

"When the Victorian Coalition Government introduced cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park, the Federal Environment Minister overruled them because of the impacts on the environment.

"Handing our national parks over to graziers privatises the benefits of our pristine areas that are supposed to be shared and enjoyed by everyone in NSW.

"The Environment Minister and O'Farrell Government need to learn that just like logging doesn't protect koalas, grazing in national parks doesn't help biodiversity."