Mr Bromhead was responding to statements made by Mr Oakeshott in yesterday’s Manning River Times, where he called on the Nationals to come clean on its coal seam gas mining stance in the Manning and Gloucester valleys.

Mr Bromhead said the National Party went to the last election with a land use strategy in place.

“Since then we have strengthened it in consultation with the community,” he said, adding that this process was ongoing.

Mr Bromhead said he had already been quoted twice in the Manning River Times outlining his position on coal seam gas.

“For Mr Oakeshott to say I have not is implicitly wrong and he’s playing politics.”

Responding to a claim from Mr Oakeshott, Mr Bromhead said neither he or minister George Souris had any input into who is able to address the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry to be held in Taree on October 31.

“It is completely wrong to say we have. At no time have we denied a group access to the inquiry.”

Mr Bromhead said he had successfully made submissions to members of the upper house to ensure the inquiry would take place in Taree.

“I’ve seen four anti-coal seam gas groups either in Taree or in my electoral office.

“George and I and the National Party will always put our community and regional New South Wales first.

“It’s obvious from the statements made by Mr Oakeshott that he should look after his own federal issues rather than meddling in State issues.

“The NSW Nationals are determined to look after regional New South Wales and protect our community.”