The company has been carrying out a seismic study on prime agricultural land as part of a multi-million dollar project extending over 25,000 square kilometres in the Gunnedah basin.

If analysis proved positive the next step would involve drilling deep core holes.

Mr Webb feared exploratory drilling could cause irreversible water and soil damage.

“The people of Tooraweenah aren’t happy,’’ he said.

“More forensic science evidence-based independent research is needed as a matter of urgency.

“Santos representatives have not adequately answered questions about the risks of drilling and exploration. Real concerns have been expressed about environmental damage, contamination and the risk of subsidence and earthquake.

“Farmers are also worried about water, property rights and food sustainability.’’

Mr Webb was the young farmer representative for NSW Farmers’ Association conservation resource management.

He wanted more farmers in the region to join the association to help protect the vital role the rural sector plays in Australian society.

“Farmers need a united voice,’’ Mr Webb said.

“If exploratory work continues to the next stage environmental damage may not be evident until long after the mining company is gone.

“Who is going to clean up the mess and protect the rights of landholders?

“The history of coal seam gas mining in Australia and overseas has not been good. There have been many problems and they cannot be ignored. Santos keeps offering reassurances but Tooraweenah farmers are not convinced, especially as existing legislation does not adequately cover coal seam gas production.’’

Sam Crafter from Santos public affairs said collecting data on the Tooraweenah mining project could take years.

He said if core hole drilling achieved the right results the company would move on to a pilot testing program involving the drilling of three to five wells in close proximity, about 100 metres apart.

“We are not interested in mining coal - our target is to find viable coal seam gas which would be extracted through wells drilled with minimal disruption,’’ Mr Crafter said.

“Coal seam gas is needed for household and industry use and power generation. If the project goes ahead at Tooraweenah wells would be located on 10 by 10-metre spaces in the corner of paddocks with compressor stations located on 100 by 100-metre sites.

“Farmers would receive compensation and royalties would be paid to the state.’’

Mr Crafter stressed Santos was a reputable Australian company.

Gilgandra Shire Council agreed to Santos undertaking seismic surveying at Tooraweenah but it had not “developed a position” on coal seam mining “at this stage”.

“Mayor Doug Batten has been in contact with Tooraweenah residents and will continue to assess options and potential for industry,’’ shire general manager Paul Mann said.

“We are a long way off making any decisions.’’