Dozens of farmers have gathered on the Liverpool Plains in northwestern NSW to oppose gas giant Santos exploring for coal seam gas on agricultural land.
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The gas producer sent "thumper trucks" in to the area this week to conduct seismic testing after expired exploration licenses were renewed by the NSW government in April last year.
Farmer Margaret Fleck said landholders successfully opposed Santos drilling more than a decade ago, and landholders are continuing that fight.
The cattle farmer said around 60 landowners picnicked on Tuesday near Gunnedah to draw attention to the food and water that's at risk from mining.
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"We're not going to back down, there's too much at risk ... food and fibre," she told AAP.
"Landowners are prepared to hold their ground if you like. They're just not going to let it proceed."
"This is just sheer stupidity, people know about climate change ... and this will only exacerbate climate change if Santos were to go ahead and extract coal seam gas."
Farmers are asking the NSW government to overturn their decision to extend the exploration licence.
"They've made a mistake," said Ms Fleck.
Doug Frend also lives near where the seismic testing is taking place.
The drilling for coal seam gas relies on large volumes of groundwater that's also used by farmers.
The mixed farmer said one of his biggest concerns is the impact any mine would have on groundwater levels and contamination.
"It's making us all sick with worry," he said.
"I'm worried about losing our water, I'm worried about having to give land access to Santos by a court order even if we don't want them."
"I'm worried about them having access to our property and putting in gas lines and roads that we have no say over," he said.
The landholders are also opposed to Santos' planned Hunter Gas Pipeline project, which they say would destroy the heavily settled farming district if built.
Earlier in January the NSW government granted authority to survey for the Hunter Valley pipeline.
The controversial project, potentially crosses 95,000 hectares of Pilliga forest and nearby grazing land in the state's northwest.
Santos and the NSW government have been approached for comment.
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Australian Associated Press
