The Upper Hunter Shire Council has been engaging in detailed discussions over the past weeks in relation to the development of coal seam gas mining in the shire in order to determine its position on the issue.

Acting on the serious concerns revealed by many residents including those living in the Bunnan area, as well as the Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley, the council’s development and environmental services committee met to discuss the issue last week.

A decision was made at the March ordinary council meeting to undertake a review of the strategic direction of this issue and consider the most appropriate course of action for the future.

With the long term sustainability of the shire’s land one of the key areas of concern; the council has taken its role in the land use conflict very seriously.

At Monday night’s council meeting in Merriwa, the councillors received presentations from Santos TNT Pty Ltd and Eastern Star Gas representatives.

The councillors voted unanimously to approve a recommendation for the development and environmental services committee to undertake in-depth research, site inspections and hold a public forum within the next four months to make a recommendation to the council on whether to approve or reject future coal seam gas exploration in the shire.

Industry participants, community groups and public and government departments will have the opportunity to openly voice their opinion on the issue at the public forum.

Upper Hunter Shire mayor Lee Watts said the development and environmental services committee would be working to gain as much information as possible in the next four months.

“The visual impact makes a huge difference, which is why it is important for us to get out there and speak to people living on properties near coal seam gas exploration sites, the people already involved and the people who work there,” she said.

“We want to speak to all the stakeholders and reveal all questions that people have.

“That is the only way we can make an informed decision.”

Cr Watts said the council would be making an additional submission to the NSW Department of Planning.