The company, which is using a lease owned by Leichhardt Resources to explore and possibly drill for coal seam gas (CSG), began approaching residents along Joadja and Wombeyan Cave roads late last month.

Deputy Mayor Larry Whipper, who also sits on the Sydney Catchment Authority Board, said an assault on the natural resources of the Highlands was beginning to get more aggressive as Planet Gas started to “swoon” landowners.

“I believe that Planet Gas and Cockatoo Coal need to get the message. Council and this community at large are totally opposed to the risks associated with longwall mining and CSG,” he said.

Any tests on council road reserves require council’s permission under the Roads Act. Cr Whipper said Planet Gas had been advised accordingly.

Acting council general manager Michael Brearley said the decision would not go before council but would be made by staff.

“Given Council’s strong position and unanimous resolution on this matter, I feel confident councillors would not agree to any such approval,” Cr Whipper said.

“There have been some concerns that work may have commenced on Wingecarribee roads, but Planet Gas confirmed this is not the case.

“The time has come for us to stand shoulder to shoulder on this one.

“My concern is that the precautionary principle has been tossed out in the past and my gut feeling is that it may be sacrificed again.”

Cr Whipper, well known for his green credentials, said the community had legitimate concerns about the process of CSG extraction, which can involve using toxic chemicals.

“NSW Natural Resources Commissioner, John Williams, has recently warned there could be potentially catastrophic impacts on State water resources if CSG projects go ahead unchecked,” he said.

He supported a call by National Water Commissioner, Chloe Munroe, for a precautionary approach.

Cr Whipper put forward a motion, which was passed unanimously in November, opposing all forms of coal seam gas exploration and drilling in the shire.

“Our Council has resolved to make it clear to the State and Federal levels of Government that we are opposed to these exploitative acts and supporting the NSW Farmers Associations calls from a moratorium,” he said.

“What part of no do Planet Gas and Cockatoo not understand?"