Chairman of the Manning Alliance, Peter Epov, described the meeting with Mr Oakeshott as highly productive and fruitful.

"I was very impressed with Mr Oakeshott's understanding of this CSG (coal seam gas) issue and the core elements which may impact on our community," Mr Epov said.

"I am convinced that Mr Oakeshott does not want CSG drilling in the Manning Valley.

"He has been working closely with Mr Tony Windsor (member for New England) on a bill, which is now before the Federal parliament aimed at protecting water."

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Mining, Petroleum and Water Resources) Bill 2011 is now at the committee stage.

"I also believe that Mr Oakeshott may be exploring other avenues to place greater scrutiny and control over the rollout of CSG in Australia."

Mr Epov said Mr Oakeshott has also independently produced and submitted a submission to the NSW Upper House Inquiry on coal seam gas.

"From the Manning Valley perspective we have now opened up a very important communication channel with a key political figure, and quite frankly, one of the few who is very genuinely sympathetic and concerned with manner in which coal seam gas drilling has been allowed to be rolled out and the potential implications that could flow on into the Manning Valley."

He said the alliance hoped to be in a position to engage Mr Oakeshott with regular meetings and dialogue.

Mr Oakeshott has been briefed on Project Blue and has agreed to lend his support to the campaign.