The event was hosted by the United Myall Residents Against Gas Extraction (UMRAGE) in conjunction with Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce.

At its recent September meeting, the Chamber voted to join the Lock The Gate Alliance and say No to CSG.

The event held in Wade Park had live music, a sausage sizzle and information stalls from UMRAGE and Midcoast Water to mark the beginning of National Water Week.

"It was great to see such a good turnout for the day. It's really encouraging to see so many different groups within the community coming together on an issue as important as this," Great Lakes Councillor Linda Gill said.

"I think that CSG mining poses a very real potential threat to our soil and water and we just can't risk it. The 'cautionary principle' must apply to this industry."

Thousands of people gathered at dozens of events right across Australia as part of a national day of action titled 'Defend Our Water', organised by the Lock The Gate Alliance.

Myall Lakes residents took part in the major rally in Sydney, carrying banners with others from all over the country to voice their concerns.

"I think it sends a very strong message to the government that we don't want CSG extraction in this area and that agriculture and tourism are much more important to us," local event organiser Dave Saul said.

The NSW government has now started its Upper House inquiry into the CSG industry with a local hearing scheduled for Taree on Monday 31 October.

UMRAGE will be present at this enquiry along with groups from Gloucester, Taree and other nearby regions.