As independent MP Tony Windsor and Greens senator Larissa Waters prepare to introduce into federal Parliament this week two separate bills designed to champion farmers' rights and restrict coal seam gas mining, The Australian Financial Review has revealed work has already begun behind the scenes to provide more effective and harmonised state regulations.

Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson said the regulation of coal seam gas mining on farmland was a matter for state governments.

"Whilst it is in no way a federal government responsibility, we are facilitating discussion at the state level on issues such as a uniform approach to the regulation of the industry," Mr Ferguson said.

The regulations could cover the type of chemicals used by the coal seam gas industry, the impact on water aquifers, how the industry should engage with farmers and the conditions under which the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", is used to mine coal seam gas.