Ms Simson, who is a well-known campaigner for the protection of agricultural land through the Caroona Coal Action Group, said she had “stopped looking for the silver bullet” in the battle a long time ago.

“This fight is not going to be won by one group – it won’t be won simply by NSW Farmers and it won’t be won by Lock the Gate,” she said.

“It’s going to be won by a whole series of people working together on different levels in both government and community, and it’s going to be won by standing together.”

However, Ms Simson said the Farmers’ Association should not be branded anti-mining or anti-development just because it questioned whether or not a mine or a coal seam gas mine should be in a particular spot, or why houses should be put on prime agricultural land.

“I don’t think you should be branded anti-development just because you are asking those questions, because they are the questions we should be asking.”

Ms Simson offered support and caution to land owners preparing to take on the mining companies.

She spoke of the importance of gaining legal advice, focusing on the best interests of your community and gaining comprehensive documents should you go to arbitration.

“You are at an extreme disadvantage if you think you can take them on on your own because you negotiated the best price for your cattle five years ago,” she said.