Alliance chairman Peter Epov announced Ms Morrissey's involvement yesterday, saying she is passionately concerned and committed to the future of the local environment.

"We are delighted that Di Morrissey has agreed to join the fight against coal seam gas mining. Di was born in Wingham, she loves the Manning Valley and still resides in the district."

He said he understood "Di is very worried about the manner in which coal seam gas mining has been allowed to develop in Australia, particularly without reasonable and proper controls, nor any accurate scientific studies and information to adequately demonstrate that it can be carried out safely".

"She wants to protect the Manning River and our water resources for future generations," he said.

"As an internationally renowned author who has now published 20 books, Di is highly respected, and her opinion regarding coal seam gas mining clearly reflects the widespread community outrage that now exists in relation to the gas gold rush that has been fuelled in this country."

The Alliance welcomed Ms Morrissey as its first patron and the first member of its eminent persons board. "We look forward to her advice and her contribution," Mr Epov said.

In the next few weeks the Alliance intends to announce the inclusion of a number of other high profile citizens of the Manning Valley to its eminent persons board.

"A significant part of Di's role is to speak out within the greater community about concerns and the consequences of coal seam gas mining and extractive industries which risk our future, exploit Australia's natural resources for very short term economic gain, and provide doubtful benefit to the broader community," he said.