“Whilst ever there is a threat to our water I shall never support the introduction of coal seam gas mining to the Manning Valley,” the mayor said.

Paul and Pattie Hogan have both embraced Project Blue and are encouraging all residents of the Manning Valley to support the campaign.

Manning Alliance chairman, Peter Epov said: “We are delighted to have the support of our mayor and in particularly that of Mrs Hogan who is a strong advocate for the land and for our environment.

“Project Blue is a silent people’s protest. We are asking all residents of the Manning Valley to express their support for a ban on coal seam gas drilling (CSGD) in our valley by tying a blue ribbon to their gates, their front doors, their cars and to wear something blue on Blue Day, October 31.”

The alliance is also planning to stage a public rally on Blue Day, details of which will be released shortly.

“By participating in Project Blue the community has a very simple and easy opportunity to clearly and effectively demonstrate to our political leaders that the Manning Valley is ‘not for sale,” Mr Epov said.

“Time is running out. The moratorium on new CSG projects shall soon run out. The community now needs to express their solidarity to protect our Valley.”

Mrs Pattie Hogan has very strong feeling on the subject.

“I’ve been watching all these TV ads from the CSG industry, extolling the virtue of jobs being created from CSG. My questions are: Where are all these jobs going to be created and at what cost?” Mrs Hogan said.

Over the next two weeks the alliance will be distributing posters and flyers regarding Project Blue throughout the community.