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 were continuing that fight.
The cattle farmer said about 60 landowners picnicked on Tuesday near Gunnedah to draw attention to the food and water that was at risk from mining.
"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. 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," Ms Fleck said.
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 was 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."
But in a statement to AAP a spokesperson for Santos said the seismic surveying was low impact and non-intrusive and followed extensive community consultation.
"We appreciate the support of the many people who attended our consultation sessions," the statement said.
"The seismic survey does not impact groundwater or farming land in any way."
The landholders also oppose 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 95,000ha of Pilliga forest and nearby grazing land in the state's northwest.
The NSW government was approached for comment.
Australian Associated Press
