Member for Upper Hunter George Souris officially launched the petition, the initiative of the Barrington Gloucester Stroud Preservation Alliance, and supported by GRIP, Gloucester Residents in Partnership.

“It’s possible to stop this,” the MP said.

Mr Souris cited the example of the Mount Arthur mine near Muswellbrook which was not developed because of its proximity to the township and the Great Greta Colliery that was “stopped in its tracks at this stage” because of plans to move coal by truck through streets in the township.

Mr Souris said while he only had a couple of examples the point was that community concern could make a difference.

“If you have one strong focal point, and I think the closeness to town need to be the focus, that is obvious,” he said.

Mr Souris said the issue is about protecting the rural, urban and environmental amenity of Gloucester.

He left those at the launch with one final message.

“Stay united, stay local and stay focused,” he said.

Alliance chairman Tony Tersteeg said the three exploration licences held by Gloucester Resources were a threat to the community and the petition was called for the exploration licences to be revoked because of their proximity to the township of Gloucester.

“I’d like people to consider that this is a threat to Gloucester and our way of life,” he said.

“Let’s work together, we need to work together,” he said.

Mr Tersteeg urged everyone to put aside politics, egos and other issues and work together on having the licences revoked.

GRIP president Gary Ferris urged those at the launch to sign the petition.

He said GRIP was not anti-mining but the group did not want to see coal mining in the area covered by the exploration licences held by GRL.

He said the organisation wanted to see balanced development, a mix of tourism, mining, gas and agriculture.

Mr Ferris said it was about protecting the quality of life in Gloucester, now and in the future.

The petition will circulate until the GRIP rally on Monday February 9.