Psychologist claims Coal Seam Gas Worse for Farmers than Natural Disasters

Hay bales acting as a noise barrier at a coal seam gas well run by Metgasco near Casino. (Samantha Turnbull)

A northern NSW farmer and clinical psychologist claims coal seam gas mining poses the biggest ever threat to farmers' mental health.

Wayne Somerville, from Kyogle, told the first sitting of the NSW Upper House Inquiry into Coal Seal Gas that it's more traumatising to local farmers than fire, flood or drought.

He says that unless the NSW Government changes its current mining policies, it could result in suicides, depression and even a violent reaction from primary producers.

"Essentially we're exposing the community to a traumatic situation and a threat to their way of life and a threat to their future," he said.

"It's hard to think of a more profound threat to farming communities.

"What we're facing here is a possible permanent change in the nature of the land and a change in the nature of country life, and I think the result of this will be widespread emotional distress, social disruption and political turmoil."

ABC Rural