A stoush is looming within the state Coalition over the future of Murray Valley National Park with the Nationals Party candidate for the region's seat vowing to relegate the park's status just seven years after its creation.

Austin Evans, who next Saturday hopes to win the seat of Murray in the byelection prompted by the resignation of Adrian Piccoli, said de-gazetting the national park is one of his top priorities if elected.

Open season for national park: Bird watching at the Murray Valley National Park. Credit:D Finnegan

He said it was difficult to assess the benefits since the park was created in 2010. "I can't see any better outcomes for the forest or the community," Mr Evans told Fairfax Media, adding he would propose a private member's bill to revert its status to a state reserve to open to logging if he wins the seat.

Mr Evans hosted Gladys Berejiklian on her visit to the Riverina this week, prompting one local news outlet to report the Premier had provided encouraging comments to a local sawmiller keen to regain access to the region's river red gum timber.