Tourism brings about $28 million to the area each year, which mining opponents claim could be destroyed.

Concern was raised in late December at an informal community meeting, after mining company, Gloucester Resources, bought four properties on the outskirts of Gloucester, and one near Craven.

Three exploration licences held by Gloucester Resources in the Gloucester basin will come up for renewal this year.

However, many locals are vocally opposed to any potential for mining – or even exploration – on their doorstep.

Member of the soon to be incorporated Gloucester Residents in Partnership (GRIP) organisation, Gary Ferris, said the group wanted to ensure the exploration licences were not renewed and were permanently removed so no coal mining could occur in the area skirting the Gloucester township to the west, south and east.

“We are not anti-mining, we just don’t want to see a mine this close to town,” Mr Ferris said.

For full report see this week's The Land.