An online forum will give people the chance to suggest directions and have input on issues to be addressed by the strategy.

The forum is part of public consultation on the NSW Coal and Gas Strategy scoping paper on exhibition until April 15.

“As a consequence of the industry’s growth, debate is emerging in the community about issues associated with coal mining and coal seam gas production,” Minister for Planning Tony Kelly said.

The strategy will guide the sustainable development of the industry, minimise adverse health, environment, agricultural and land-use impacts and regulate industry.

“The coal industry will play a significant role in the Hunter Valley, the northern part of the Western Basin and the Gunedah Basin in the coming years,” Mr Kelly said.

“However, it’s very important regions like the Liverpool Plains and thoroughbred breeding and rich wine areas of the Hunter Valley are protected.”

However, campaign manager for The Wilderness Society Warwick Jordan said the strategy treated environmental issues as problems to be managed in the wake of the coal and seam gas industry.

“The environment, communities and regional economies can’t be treated as collateral damage to an untouchable industry,” Mr Jordan said.

“Experiences from the US and Queensland show that the environmental and health impacts of coal seam gas are potentially massive.”

Hunter Environment Lobby spokesperson Jan Davis said the NSW Coal and Gas Strategy scoping paper failed to take into account the key issues of environmental monitoring and human health.

The online community forum is at www.nsw.gov.au/shapeyourstate.