The forum, at Taree’s Manning Street wharf this Saturday, will be emceed by local comedian Andrew Saunders and will kick off at 10.45, featuring speakers and performers such as Elands musician Sophie Watt, lawyer Paul Lewis, Karl Bayer from the MCAG and Deborah Willis from the National Farmers Federation.

Representatives from MidCoast Water and local schools will attend with special guest speaker, Michael McNamara from Lock The Gate Alliance also set to take the stage.

MCAG spokesman Karl Bayer said invitations had been extended to AGL and local members Stephen Bromhead and Rob Oakeshott, none of whom had confirmed their attendance.

Attendees will have a chance to ask questions of the speakers in the Q&A session that will be followed by a gourmet sausage sizzle.

Karl Bayer says events like these provide the opportunity for residents to inform themselves in a way that will allow them to contribute to the debate on what is a pressing local issue.

“It’s not a small or benign issue,” he said.

“We are one of 100 community groups set up in opposition to coal seam gas mining and the practice of fracking,

“Our biggest enemies in this fight are not the big mining companies but our own apathy.”

Mr Bayer has raised the issue with Greater Taree City Council, pointing out that five councils to the north of the Manning have already taken a stand on this issue, supporting a moratorium on coal seam gas mining.

Mr Bayer has also raised the issue with NSW energy and resources minister Chris Hartcher.

“Mr Hartcher called for balance of the conflicting interests but in cases like this, where the full effects of the technology are not known, the cautionary principle must apply.

“Coal seam gas mining has not been proven safe and until it is, a moratorium should stand,” he said.