The Alliance spearheaded the public 'Blue Day' rally at Club Taree on October 31 during the local sittings of the parliamentary inquiry into coal seam gas mining. Its chairman, Peter Epov, received a standing ovation when he presented the organisation's submission to the inquiry.

Last week it was announced that renowned author and local resident Di Morrissey had agreed to be the Alliance's first patron, to help preserve the agrarian amenity of the Manning Valley for future generations.

From a small start, Alliance membership is now growing and includes members from across the Manning as well as further afield.

Today's edition of the Times contains a membership application form for the Manning Alliance.

Readers are invited to fill out the form and become financial members, to help defend the Manning Valley from coal seam gas mining.