A discussion paper from think tank, The Australia Institute (TAI), highlighted how the original research advisory committee of the CSIRO-led Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA) had been dominated by industry representatives.

TAI researcher Matt Grudnoff said the industry's significant presence raised doubts GISERA's transparency.

“It's not just that the industry is sponsoring this research,” Mr Grudnoff said.

“Industry also sits at the table that decides the questions, and decides what projects get funded.”

CSIRO has flatly rejected the implications.

A spokesperson for the organisation said research funds were managed by a national committee, while research projects were reviewed approved by Regional Research Advisory Committees mostly made up of independent stakeholders.

“[The NSW committee] has 40 per cent independent representatives, 20 per cent industry, 20 per cent CSIRO and 20 per cent government stakeholders,” the CSIRO spokesperson said.

“There are clear safeguards in the GISERA contract around CSIRO’s ability to publish independent peer reviewed scientific research.

“Companies do not have rights to alter, edit or respond to research reports written by CSIRO under GISERA. 

“When companies sign-up to GISERA they agree to complete transparency of reporting under these conditions before project proposals have been approved.

According to CSIRO, GISERA funding totalled $13.05 million for the 2014-15 to 2016-17 years.

The industry chipped in about half, or $6.65 million, with governments and CSIRO providing the rest.

Mr Grudnoff recommended research be funded by a levy on proposed or produced gas to give the public greater confidence in the results.

GISERA has four research projects underway around Narrabri.

They range from the impact of CSG on groundwater flow in the Pilliga region to the potential economic and social impacts of CSG in the region.