The scoping paper was released earlier this month with the aim of ensuring the coal mining and gas industries can be developed alongside development and sustainability of existing industries.

The strategy was introduced to some local residents at a community forum in Gunnedah on February 10, however another community forum will be held in Singleton next month.

A reference group has been appointed to assist development of the strategy.

NSW planning minister and taskforce chairman Tony Kelly announced that the reference group would now include representatives from both the thoroughbred and winemaking industry.

The Upper Hunter was tagged as an area for potential future mining activities and currently has coal seam gas exploration projects underway.

The strategy mentions plans to explore potential mine areas north of Muswellbrook and the acknowledgement of potential land use conflicts.

At the same time, the recent announcement by the NSW Liberals and Nationals Coalition of a Strategic Regional Land Use Policy that has been hailed a positive step by the NSW Minerals Council, NSW Farmers Association, the Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley and environment groups.

Mr Kelly said the paper provided an overview and invited comment from the community on the main issues facing each of the main coal mining regions in NSW being the Hunter, Gunnedah and the Western and Southern coalfields.

Upper Hunter Shire councillor Lea Carter said the strategy seemed realistically open for community and stakeholder input.

“It aims to strengthen communications between government, industries and community groups and provide a snapshot of coal and gas over the next 25 years.”

Cr Carter said at first she was disappointed with the scoping paper, but it is a flexible strategy and the planning committee was very open to the community’s voices.

“It concerns me that it aims to ensure the planning approval processes are as streamlined as possible, as this would mean less community input.

“The mining exclusion zone the council applied for was not approved, but we are still trying to get a zone to protect the area.

“It’s not just the thoroughbred industry, but graziers will also be affected.

“The minister wants to see co-existence, but that has a different meaning for different people.”

Cr Carter encouraged all interested people to attend the next community forum at 10.30am on Wednesday, March 9 at Singleton.

People must register on the planning department’s website.