During his time as Resources Minister, Mr Frydenberg was a strong advocate for coal and many environmentalists say his open support for the industry conflicts with his new portfolio.

However, Caroona Coal Action Group (CCAG) chairwoman Susan Lyle said she would like to take the measure of the man before passing judgement.

“I’m the sort of person who likes to meet someone, to see where they’re coming from,” Ms Lyle said.

CCAG was in the process of organising a meeting with the former Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, who was recently appointed Industry, Innovation and Science Minister.

The group will now pursue Mr Frydenberg.

“We will be asking for meeting as soon as possible,” Ms Lyle said.

“I want to meet him, sit down and discuss how important the Liverpool Plains area is. I’m sure Minister Frydenberg knows all about CCAG, what we stand for and that we won’t back down from preserving the plains for agriculture.

Ms Lyle said CCAG would liaise with Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce, and Parkes MP Mark Coulton about organising a meeting.

“Barnaby Joyce is passionately against mining on prime agricultural land, so we are hopeful he will help us,” she said.

Lock the Gate’s NSW spokesperson Georgina Woods said there was concern in the community about Mr Frydenberg’s previous relation with the mining industry – but there was a potential silver lining.

“We are hopeful that his prior knowledge of the mining industry could translate into a more intense awareness of how much damage it does to the environment,” Ms Woods said.

“We have a responsibility to the community to work constructively with who the minister is and we hope to use this as an opportunity.”

NSW Greens mining spokesperson, Jeremy Buckingham, lashed out against "Mr Coal" on social media.

"What a disgrace! This guy desperately wants our food bowl dug up to make way for new coal mines and for coal seam gas to spread across the continent,” Mr Buckingham said on Facebook.

Mr Frydenberg, who retained his energy portfolio, said he looked forward to working with key stakeholders to ensure Australia’s world-class environment was protected and enhanced.

“I’m also focused on ensuring Australia has a stable and secure energy supply, capitalising on new energy efficient technologies,” Mr Frydenberg said.