Senior solicitor with the Environmental Defender’s Office, Sue Higginson attended the meeting to discuss legalities with the group. Ms Higginson is representing the landholders in their dealings with mining companies.

Ms Higginson explained a group letter sent to Leichardt Resources and Planet Gas on behalf of the group saying all communication from the company was to be directed to her.

She also pointed out the significance of the local action group and how other communities were now looking at PEL470 as pivotal in their actions.

PEL 470 landowners are unique in that they have not allowed a mining company to conduct any core hole exploration, unlike other PELs across the Moree Shire and NSW, she said.

The meeting was an opportunity to bring everyone up to date generally, Rhonda McPherson, who is a member of the group, said. She said despite harvest there was good attendance.

Mrs McPherson said general discussion had been held with Kevin Humphries and Mark Coulton. State Government representatives have also visited local farms.

The group’s chair, Penny Blatchford, along with other landholders, will also be attending the upcoming CSG blockade in the Liverpool Plains and has been invited to speak at the Senate Inquiry next Wednesday.