The declaration was made during meeting at Coonamble, which APA withdrew from less than 24 hours before it was due to be held, because of social media posts “promoting organised disruption”.

However, the meeting went ahead without APA. Those presented rejected APA’s alternative plan to engage with those affected in one-on-one meetings, and said they would only hold meetings with the company in the presences of the community.

Great Artesian Basin Protection Group (GABPG) spokesman David Chadwick said by bailing on the meeting APA had “completely destroyed what little social capital it may have had”, given there was already bad will in the local community following company contractors allegedly trespassing on private property.

“[APA is] abusing its rights under its Authority to Survey and acting so arrogantly, trying to paint itself as victim when it’s landholders who have been on the receiving end,” Mr Chadwick said.

“APA’s attempts at divide and conquer have completely backfired.”

Mr Chadwick said GABPG and its allies were calling on politicians and bureaucrats to take an impartial view of the situation and reassess their position.

“We remain open to genuinely independent discussions to share our concerns and balance the argument between food production and mining,” Mr Chadwick said.

“Ultimately, we would like agriculture to be considered a ‘significant state development’.”