Parts of the Hunter are on the brink of civil war with neighbours turning on each other as the coal seam gas debate intensifies.
The Newcastle Herald has learnt of cases where farmers participating in gas exploration have suffered malicious property damage and trespass. Others report children being bullied at school.
Police said yesterday that any unlawful behaviour arising from gas protests would not be tolerated.
The Herald spoke to several landholders participating in gas exploration.
All but one did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals.
"It's just not worth it. We've been through enough. I don't want to make it worse," a person who said they had experienced malicious damage to their property said.
In some communities, long-term neighbours no longer speak to each other.
"I don't have a problem with people having an opinion about coal seam gas, but don't make it personal," another said.
Dart Energy spokesman Andrew Collins said some landholders had experienced negativity towards them.
Newcastle Herald
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