Gloucester Shire Council mayor Geoff Slack has said while he is happy for people to protest, he doesn’t condone people breaking the law by blocking a public road.

He said the impact of the blockade on other businesses and people is of concern.

”If companies have to start standing down people, there is a flow on effect through the community,” Cr Slack said.

As a solicitor Cr Slack said he had spent 40 years trying to uphold the law and he said the blockade was not a lawful activity and as such he would not be visiting the site.

The Mayor said council has previously given its in principal support to the AGL gas project and AGL has been granted government approval for the project.

Alliance chairman Graeme Healy the mayor had not visited the blockade and said comments made by the mayor in the Newcastle Herald on Monday about the blockade not representing the views of the community were wrong.

Mr Healy said the blockade was directed against AGL.

“We have tried to ensure minimal inconvenience to local landholders and businesses.”

One local business operator who did not wish to be named said the blockade was having a direct impact on his business and would cost hundreds of thousands in lost revenue.

“We estimate it will cost the town around $200,000 a month. It’s massive, I don’t think people understand the repercussions of what they’ve done.”

“I’m not pro-mining, I’m not anti-mining, I’m a business person.”

“It’s going to put a big stain on our town.”