‘‘No mining activity will affect The Drip and there will be no tunnels under this land which has been reserved today,’’ Mr Speakman said on Wednesday.

But the couple who fought to preserve The Drip are not convinced and say the fight to protect in perpetuity the iconic feature was not over.

Julia Mullins and Colin Imrie said Chinese state-owned mining company Yancoal had a map showing a potential tunnel only 20 metres to the west of The Drip. 

‘‘It’s a partial victory,’’ Ms Mullins said. 

‘‘Now we’ve got National Park around the drip but if they proceed to tunnel underneath the river and mine on both sides that will ultimately damage the river and The Drip in the long term. ‘‘The fight is still not won. ‘‘They haven’t protected it in perpetuity, which is what they are saying.’’

The NSW Labor government sold The Drip for $2084 in a 2010 lease conversion sale that cost Yancoal less than $3 a hectare.

But an agreement signed during the election campaign led to Yancoal relinquishing 23 hectares of land the state government. The area of land between Denman and Mudgee is less than half the area recommended by the Office of Environment and Heritage for inclusion in the national park.  The area has high biodiversity value and a spectacular sandstone gorge along the upper Goulburn River, which is a popular tourist attraction.  

Mr Speakman said further work was ongoing to secure more nearby land for national parks estate over the next two years. This is part of a binding agreement reached with Moolarben Coal, which also ensures no impact on water supply feeding The Drip and no subsidence impact from mining on The Drip and immediately adjacent lands. 

‘‘This is a win for the community,’’ Mr Speakman said. ‘‘We are saving this spectacular feature for future generations to treasure and enjoy.’’