Some landholders in the Southern Highlands of NSW oppose coal seam gas exploration. (David Claughton)
A NSW lawyer says many landholders are ignorant about their rights when it comes to dealing with coal seam gas exploration.
Peter Harrison has represented farmers in disputes with mining companies over issues such as access and water rights.
He concedes that the fact the Crown owns mineral rights to all land puts explorers in a position of strength.
But Mr Harrison says landholder rights go further than many people think.
"They have a right to negotiate the terms on which an explorer can come onto their land," he said.
"If they can't reach an agreement with the explorer, they're entitled to go before an arbitrator who will ultimately make a determination.
"And if they're not happy with the determination, they can go to the Land and Environment Court."
ABC Rural
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