THE decision by the NSW government to extend the moratorium on fracking in coal seam gas mining activities until April is being welcomed across the Manning, however with a note of caution.

The Manning Alliance, which is leading the local fight against coal seam gas activities in the valley, yesterday questioned whether an intended review of the practice would be truly 'independent', as the government claims, and whether 'world's best practice' methods are safe, given extraordinary harm caused by fracking in places like the United States and Queensland.

Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams has welcomed the move, however, saying it's commonsense to continue with the moratorium while the government's independent review continues.

The moratorium on fracking was to have ended on December 31, but Friday's announcement of a four month extension gives a little more breathing space to the highly emotive coal seam gas debate.

Mrs Williams said "I have made the point in our party room and directly with the minister that we needed to extend the moratorium", which will allow the government to review and strengthen existing standards for fracking in NSW, as well as the development of technical guidelines for the industry in the state.

"Some people in our community are concerned at the impact the coal seam gas industry will have on the environment, particularly the potential for pollution of aquifers," Mrs Williams said.

"This is exactly why we are treading cautiously and making sure we have the correct frameworks in place.

"Rather than going full steam ahead and allowing the industry to proceed without suitable restrictions as the previous NSW Government did and as the Queensland Labor Government continues to allow, we are working to ensure we have the world's best practice in place.

"It is important that we protect our aquifers, our environment and our prime agricultural land.

"As I said previously in the parliament, clearly there must be a balance for both farming and agricultural industries and mining to take place, and it is our job as legislators to develop a way for both to co-exist."

Mrs Williams said she is looking forward to speaking at a forum on coal seam gas next Saturday at the Johns River Community Hall from 1.30pm, where she hopes to see balanced discussion on the issue.

P More details tomorrow