Eastern Star Gas is seeking state and federal approval for the pipeline that will run 286 kilometres from Narrabri to a liquid natural gas facility in Newcastle.

Christine Searle runs a beef production property on Bylong Valley Way near Sandy Hollow and said while her property isn’t going to be impacted by the pipeline, it’s what will come later that she is worried about.

“The pipeline might not appear to be much, but it’s what’s going to follow that will do the damage,” she said.

“They will come in and put wells down on property and there’s not much we can do about it because the government has sold off the rights to what is underneath your ground.

“We are fighting a losing battle - but you still have to fight - you have to at least make sure they have to go about it the right way.”

Mrs Searle said the main concern of residents in the area was the affect of the pipeline and gas exploration on water.

She said underground aquifers were critical to the operations of some properties and some aquifers feed into the rivers.

“If the aquifers are damaged what will happen to the river systems?” Mrs Searle said. “Some people weren’t informed and got caught out, now they wish they didn’t let Eastern Star Gas on their properties to look around.”

People in the area who will be affected, or even those who just want more information can get it at a community information session held by Eastern Star Gas on Monday, August 29, at the Merriwa School of Arts in Bow Street from 3pm to 7pm.

Another session will be held in Denman on Wednesday, August 31, at the community hall in Ogilvie Street from 3pm to 7pm where people can come and go at any time.