Spokesman Phil Laird said it was the end of a “dangerous proposal” but the alliance also wanted permanent protection for other important agricultural lands and water resources across the state.

“We’d also like to congratulate the local community who has never given up the fight to protect the fine food-producing lands and water resources of the Liverpool Plains against the risky BHP mining plan,” Mr Laird said. “Their 10-year long struggle has cost them dearly, but they have been vindicated … for their courage and their persistence.”

However, he said the government appeared to be stopping short of halting Shenhua’s Breeza coal mine. 

“A small excise of parts of the Shenhua exploration licence, as foreshadowed in government media statements, whilst still allowing the coal mine to proceed, will not protect the Liverpool Plains.”