The merits appeal class 1 action taken by the Ironstone Community Action Group began with hearings in Sydney last month and has been adjourned part-heard until the end of this month, to continue on July 1.

The action group this week praised the efforts of its legal team members who accepted the task on a pro-bono basis.

Action group spokesperson Amanda Albury said the legal experts “are a wonderful gift to the Gloucester-Stroud Valley”.

“They are working their hardest to protect the environment, wildlife and their habitat being destroyed and creek and river systems (downstream of this valley to Taree and Port Stephens) all being affected.”

Stratford Coal, Duralie Coal, and now AGL Gas are seeking river discharge, with other mining companies Gloucester Resources, Thunderbolts Gold and others that have been approved to dig up this valley and everything in their path and discharge into natural water sources a sickening reality.”

The action group will continue to raise funds to help support their legal team and future actions, Ms Albury said. “This is where the general public, organisations and businesses are asked to donate money to the ‘peoples court case’ on behalf of the environment.

“Some of our experts have been in court for over a week and they have worked some very late nights and early mornings.

“These people are a privilege to watch in court, defending this valley (and all in it), its people, animals and bushland habitat, natural water sources and downstream users.”