NSW Farmers President, Fiona Simson, is attending the hearing and has indicated she will be available for comment outside the court.

Meanwhile, local residents and representatives of community action groups across NSW are gathering for a rally outside the court house.

Mr Moore has refused access to his land on the basis he is legally blind and could not farm anywhere else if forced off the land, and on the basis that more water studies need to be completed.

The decision to grant the exploration licence to the company then known as Doyles Creek Mining by former NSW Minister Ian Macdonald has been referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), with a hearing date yet to be set.

Nature Conservation Council of NSW chief executive Pepe Clarke said the case highlighted how laws meant to protect people and their land from the impacts of mining were failing.

“It is completely unacceptable that exploration can be approved on people’s property without their permission and without adequate information about water and environmental impacts,” he said.

“Ian and Robyn Moore have refused to give into the heavy handed tactics of the company, and have commissioned an independent water study which will be presented to the court during the hearing.

“The court case … epitomises the ongoing loss of community assets, water sources and environmental integrity of the Hunter Valley.

“This case highlights the failings of current laws which set up an unfair, unbalanced contest between mining and the community.

“The NSW government promised balance in its approach to mining and coal seam gas activities, but it has yet to deliver on that promise."