A 9400 square kilometre chunk of land centred on Dubbo is the subject of exploration licence applications filed with the NSW government by Central Coast company CEEMAC Pty Limited.  

The spread covers areas in the Narromine, Gilgandra, Warrumbungle and Mid-Western Regional local government areas. It also includes portions of the Cobbora Coal Project.

News of the applications was still fresh yesterday when opposition to exploration began.

The Greens and a Dubbo conservationist expressed concerns over potential damage to the environment, particularly groundwater.

Controversy over coal seam gas mining has been on-going with farmers, conservationists and others lining up against the industry and the government. CSG sites have become the focus of large-scale protests.

Local farmers were being urged yesterday to unite and confront their local MPs to block any CSG moves and to resist approaches from companies.

The Dubbo City Council is talking to other affected councils on the issue.

Government bodies are considering the applications. Dates are being set and will be advertised for the public comment period. Communities will have 28 days in which to make submissions.

Missing yesterday were the statements from government ministers and local MPs that normally accompany the breaking of news on economic developments. Curiously, silence reigned.

Information is limited and it is early days. But, the rumbling is there and it is not from underground gas.