The rigs were carrying the equipment that will be used in the company's Inglenook coal exploration project.

An 8.5 tonne exploration drill, a nine tonne sump and an equally hefty rod handler were hauled into the grounds.

Project Manager John Sandona and driller James Fleming explained to the gathering how these diesel powered machines work.

But Running Stream Water Users Association president Jolieske Lips said many of the people gathered were more concerned about the damage the vehicles did to community hall grounds and could only imagine what similar traffic would do to their own properties.

Ms Lips said at present, the association was aware of only one landowner who has signed an access agreement with the coal company.

The rest of the owners of the proposed 28 drilling sites have yet to finalise deals and some are considering taking up the call from Lock The Gate Alliance to deny access.

Mr Buckingham stopped by during a tour of the region to express his support for landowners and talk with locals including Mid-Western Regional councillor Esme Martens.

Mr Buckingham recently called on Parliament for a moratorium on all new coal mines until the full impacts of the industry are assessed.

Cr Martens is also calling on changes to legislation so that landowners are compensated for loss of water due to mining.

Afterwards Mr Buckingham and his entourage drove to the top of Mt Vincent where they were most impressed by the stunning views back towards the Capertee Valley.

Ms Lips showed them an example of misplaced development at the site of a power pole that had to be relocated due to excessive water seepage.

In its place is a covered hole full of crystal clear water.

She predicted this, would probably happen in the case of many of the proposed drilling sites.