Following a tour of the Gulpa-Millewa Red Gum Forest near Deniliquin, the Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams believes it would be irresponsible to turn it into a National Park.

Senator Williams and State Nationals MLC Rick Colless were taken through the forest by members of the Rivers and Red Gum Environment Alliance which is trying to stave off threats of having it locked up.

This would cost hundreds of timber jobs.

Senator Williams said it was crazy that when 900 hectares of red gums were burnt out, the timber workers were not allowed to mill the burnt timber, and were not allowed to fell it for firewood.

"Those who work the forest are the best ones to manage it because they are aware of the precious resource, and are sensitive to issues such as the superb parrot and ensure its habitat is not disturbed.

Red Gums are a sustainable resource, but it seems the Greens have tremendous sway over Labor and want everything locked up.

If the Gulpa-Millewa Red Gum Forest is turned into a National Park you can guarantee at some stage there will be a fire which will destroy the red gums and animals.

That is not conservation.

It just doesn't make sense and I will do all in my power to prevent it", Senator Williams said.

ENDS