While he has heard plenty about land use conflict, lack of available information and poor communication and mining practices, it was the personal stories that came from the people of Singleton that set the local forum apart.

“At the other forums people talked about the issues but they didn’t tell their personal stories, this was new,” Mr Kelly told The Singleton Argus after Wedneday’s forum.

Jerrys Plains Di Gee spoke of the health impacts mining was having on her children and that her middle child had been so unwell with asthma that she hadn’t been able to attend school for the past four weeks.

Mrs Gee blames nearby mining.

“I feel the government has raped our Valley, what was once beautiful is no more, my children are fifth generation dairy farmers but what is going to be left for them?” Mrs Gee said.

Another mother of five stood and spoke of her fears using local roadways and said a collision earlier this year that claimed the lives of three women from Branxton was because of stress on local roadways.

“I have seven people in my car and I am frightened every time I try and turn on to the highway,” the woman said.

Mr Kelly had a meeting with Premier Kristina Keneally on Wednesday night to discuss the forum.

A further two forums in Mudgee and Gloucester are planned for April with dates and venues yet to be announced.