Its action goes against the unanimous call by councils in the region for a a moratorium on coal seam gas activities, at the recent parliamentary inquiry in Taree, action group secretary Greg Smith said.

"They are also thumbing their noses at the local community who have clearly expressed grave fears about all aspects of coal seam gas extraction and processing," Mr Smith said.

All members of the community concerned about the growing threats to the local environment from coal seam gas are invited to attend the next meeting of Manning Clean Water Action Group next Wednesday, November 23, at 6 for 6.30pm in the Uniting Church Hall, Albert Street, Taree.

Action group member Chris Sheed added: "It is becoming more appparent by the day that coal seam gas (CSG) is a recipe for disaster.

"We read of fracking causing earthquakes in England, of CSG wells next to urban backyards in Sydney, and of poisoned aquifers in Queensland.

"Just last week 'Four Corners' highlighted the catastrophic impact on marine life in Gladstone Harbour and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, attributed to the CSG export infrastructure, particularly the dredging of toxic sediments from the harbour bottom."

Mr Sheed said there are many steps people can take.

"Simple things can start to make a difference, like changing your electricity supplier to one not engaged in coal seam gas, or helping to increase public awareness of the issue and contacting political leaders.

"Communities can participate in direct action such as the successful farmers' blockade of Santos CSG drilling at Spring Ridge on the Liverpool Plains, which resulted in Santos announcing this week that they will not begin drilling on the site until more studies have been completed."

Action group president Karl Bayer said Wednesday night's meeting will be an opportunity for sharing ideas, promoting individual skills and discussing what action Manning people can take to protect the valley from the numerous risks posed by coal seam gas activities.

"We will also be looking at partnerships with the growing number of similar groups seeking to curtail this rampant, corporate assault on the environment by the coal seam gas industry," he said.