During question time in parliament, Mr Oakeshott asked the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Tony Burke, to undertake a full review of the approval, including comprehensive risk assessments and consultation.

Mr Oakeshott said the NSW Government was "in breach of at least the spirit of caretaker conventions" with its approval of the coal seam gas wells in a 50 square kilometre area in the Gloucester Basin, including the pristine Barrington region and key farming land in Gloucester and the upper Hunter.

"This approval was done without any consultation with the water supply authority MidCoast Water, nor with downstream water users in the Manning Valley, where more than 50,000 residents reliant on clean drinking water are now in shock at this decision being taken only weeks before a state election," Mr Oakeshott said.

"Will the Minister therefore review this decision, ensuring full consultation with MidCoast Water and the downstream water users in the Manning Valley and more comprehensive risk assessments associated with this drilling, as well as detailed consultation with an incoming NSW Government, which should not have its hands tied on this issue?"

Mr Burke acknowledged the high level of community concern over the issue and said he would seek a briefing from his department.