Don Harwin was asked in parliament if he would visit locals near the proposed mine before making a final decision on the company’s application for a renewed exploration lease.

“I am pleased to advise the honourable member that even as recently as this morning I have been putting arrangements in place to do exactly that,” Mr Harwin said.

Caroona farmer Tim Duddy said it was “very important” Mr Harwin – and Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who has previously been invited – visited the area.

“The ministry doesn’t understand the potential to harm agriculture businesses in this region if they allow development in close proximity to water resources,” he said.

“It’s very clear from every statement that cabinet has made that it has no grasp on the situation. The only way to education them is for them to see it on the ground.”