“We need a mining approvals process based on independent, scientific risk assessments, not a collection of random thought bubbles masquerading as policy.

“Why does the two-kilometre exclusion zone apply to urban areas with more than a thousand residents but not to farmers or rural-residential areas? Where is the science in that approach?

 Mr Windsor said the announcement did nothing for farmers and was "designed to appease" horse-breeders and wine makers in the Hunter Valley and Western Sydney residents.

“Those concerned about potential damage to the water resources of prime agricultural land are being fobbed off with more vague promises about a review of the impact on water catchments,” Mr Windsor said.

 Mr Windsor says the NSW government’s failure to grasp the issue proves the need for Commonwealth intervention.

 “Clearly, NSW is not interested in having a mining approvals process that includes independent scientific assessments of the potential for cumulative damage to our water resources.

 “Therefore, the only way to ensure our water resources are protected for future generations is to have the Commonwealth intervene under the powers of the Environment Protection Biodiversity and Conservation Act,” Mr Windsor said