Bentley blockade bids farewell

A protest camp in NSW has packed up after Metgasco's licence to drill for CSG was suspended. Source: AAP

IT was meant to be the day when police swarmed an unwavering coal seam gas (CSG) blockade and exploration equipment was moved in.

Instead, Tuesday was marked by victorious protesters dismantling their tents at the Bentley camp in northern NSW and returning to normality.

Five days after the NSW government suspended Metgasco's exploration licence at the site, blockade participants - some of whom have been in place since early this year - packed their bags.

Protesters marked the morning with a closing ceremony before pulling apart the camp, which is expected to be completely cleared by the end of the week.

"People are gradually going back to their own lives," Ian Galliard, of the Lock the Gate Alliance, said.

Mr Gallaird said protesters remained poised to return in case the government allowed Metgasco to progress with the gas well, Rosella.

The exploration licence was suspended because Metgasco failed to adequately consult the community.

Farmer Peter Graham has been subjected to fierce condemnation for allowing Metgasco to drill for CSG on his land at Bentley.

Mr Graham previously said protesters had laid spikes across his driveway and welded his gates shut.

There was now "full access" to the Graham family farm, Mr Galliard said.

Not that Metgasco has given up the fight.

The company has provided a lengthy submission to the Office of Coal Seam Gas, which Metgasco says demonstrates it has properly consulted the community.

It said it remained committed to mining gas in the region and has brought in lawyers to advise it on the licence suspension.

Metgasco was last week referred to the Independent Commission against Corruption because of alleged connections to the Obeid-linked Australian Water Holdings.

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