That's the message to come from a public meeting at Mooral Creek Hall, called to air local residents' concerns about the threat of coal seam gas mining.

One of the convenors, Paul Segal, said there was "a fair degree of concern" from the area's landholders, about the threat of CSG exploration now underway across the Mid North Coast.

"Mooral Creek itself is not affected, but nearby Strathcedar is," Mr Segal said, referring to areas where early exploration is currently taking place.

He urged residents to "be vigilant" and to keep an eye on a Department of Primary Industries website which indicates where exploration is likely.

"Maintain a level head," he advised. "The whole thing may yet be knocked on the head as when carbon pricing comes out, it may be discovered that it's more expensive than coal."

Between 30 and 40 people attended the meeting at Mooral Creek.

Meantime concern is growing in the Hannam Vale area, following reports of a helicopter flying low over local properties.

Residents who believe it is part of the ongoing coal seam gas exploratory operation have made calls to Greater Taree City Council, but have been unable to get more details.

Residents have prepared a petition which is available for signing in Hannam Vale.

Manning Clean Water Action Group continues its campaign against the process used in coal seam gas mining known as fracking.

The group is distributing leaflets across the region which pose the question 'Is the Manning River in danger?'

The group says fracking is already happening in the Gloucester basin, near Lismore and around Camden (Sydney),

The NSW government has approved up to 110 wells in the Gloucester basin, a processing plant and a pipeline corridor between Stratford and Hexham.

The leaflet urges residents to discuss the dangers of fracking with friends and family, lobby local MPs, write to newspapers and change their electricity supplier to a provider that is not engaged in CSG exploration.

More information is available from www.manningcleanwateractiongroup. com.au