Mr Layzell had stated, prior to his bi-election win in 2021, he wanted to see all zombie PELs in his electorate squashed, but last week PEL 1 was renewed, which is nearby the Upper Hunter towns of Quirindi and Willow Tree.

Mr Layzell has not indicated he will be taking the matter up with NSW Nationals leader Paul Toole though, and told the Leader the decision was consistent with the Coalition's stance on the matter.

"The PEL renewals are entirely in line with what was announced last year as part of the future of gas statement," he said.

He said the party would stick to its word on slashing the amount of PELs by more than three-fourths, although did not rule out more being renewed in his electorate and spoke about his support for Santos' Narrabri Gas Project

"Other PELs are still being assessed in line with our commitment to reduce the area covered for exploration by 77 per cent and to support the Narrabri gas project," he said.

However, the renewals have been slammed by a number of groups, including NSW Farmers.

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Vice-president and Mullaley farmer Xavier Martin said he wasn't happy to see prime agricultural land in the Liverpool Plains being put at risk.

"There is a finite amount of highly fertile, productive agricultural land in this country, and we must be very careful about how we use it," he said.

"Australia feeds 75 million people every year and there are increasing demands for food from our healthy plants and healthy animals.

"Once agricultural land is lost it is lost forever, and it is disappointing to see this decision leave the gate open for developments that are just not right for this area.

We don't know what might happen to our land and water, and what irreparable damage might be caused.

"We need to protect the Liverpool Plains, as it is an iconic food producing region, from degradation by coal and coal seam gas development."

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson did not respond by deadline to the Leader's inquiries regarding PEL 1 ,near Gunnedah, being renewed.

He had also previously expressed opposition to having them in his electorate.

The region in the Liverpool Plains currently under the control of Mr Layzell will be part of the Tamworth electorate following boundary changes at the next state election.

That will leave the majority of renewed PELs in northern NSW within Mr Anderson's region.

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