ANTI coal seam gas mining activists in theTweed Valley said they are surprised by comments made by deputy premier of NSW Andrew Stoner on ABC RADIO last week about CSG mining

Lock the Gate Tweed's Michael McNamara claims Mr Stoner said wouldn't want a CSG well five metres from his property.

"Mr Stoner's comments were broadcast on the 7pm ABC News last Friday night," Mr McNamara said.

"He said it's going to affect his property value a hell of a lot."

"Many of us in the Tweed were gob smacked when we heard the comments from Mr Stoner, given his previous defence of the industry and the government's support for its rapid expansion.

"In the Tweed Valley, communities covering half the land area of the Shire and all of the currently approved exploration licenses have resolved to declare themselves gas field free.

"These 97% of community members surveyed share Mr Stoner's concerns and want the state government and the federal government to do something about it.

"Mr Stoner's admission that CSG operations impact on land values of adjoining properties confirms anecdotal reports from landowners across the state.

"His acknowledgement of the risk of something going wrong is also welcome, but meaningless unless he takes strong action to address the risks.

"Now that he has gone public with his concerns he should consider joining with other community members who are also expressing their concerns.

"I am sure the community members who have been protecting the Doubtful Creek area would welcome his attendance at the blockade.

"We need to see him carry his concerns through to pushing for decisions within the government that ensure that the concerns of all communities are taken into account, not just those of residential areas or some 'industry clusters' such as vineyards or thoroughbred horses.

"When you look at the new restrictions it's almost as if the NSW government ministers want to make sure they have good wine at the races, whereas local communities throughout the Tweed are concerned about protecting our environmentally sensitive areas, our productive farmland, local industries and our water.

Mr McNamara is calling on local MP's to make a stand, including Nationals' Geoff Provest.