ANGRY farmers have launched a blockade near Spring Ridge on the Liverpool Plains in north-western New South Wales in a bid to stop coal-seam gas exploration in the area.
About 70 farmers are reportedly involved in the blockade, outside the main gate of the property about 10km outside the village.
Oil and gas giant Santos was working to drill a pilot well on black soil plains to explore the gas reserves in the area.
Community members and landholders have gathered at the site in a united front against the industry giant.
Members from the Caroona Coal Action Group are reportedly assisting the landholders.
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A Santos spokesman Matthew Doman said the company had been discussing plans for "pilot testing" for 18 months at the Glasserton site.
But Caroona Coal Action Group spokesman Tim Duddy said the landowners in the area he had spoken to had not been consulted.
Mr Duddy, who owns 2950 hectares of prime agricultural land in the area, said Santos was interested in pilot production of coal-seam gas - which goes beyond pilot testing.
Mr Duddy said a police officer was present at the protest but it had been peaceful and the blockade would continue.
New England MP Tony Windsor has backed the blockade.
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