SOUTHERN Downs residents attended a community meeting at the Goomburra Hall on Saturday to declare their wish for the region to remain free of coal mines and gas fields.

Southern Downs Protection Group president Sarah Moles said the proposed APEC coal mine development would threaten the town of Allora, agricultural land, water bores and the all-important Dalrymple Creek and Condamine River.

The Southern Downs joined more than 340 communities around Australia that have stood up for their local communities against big coal and gas companies.

Senator Glenn Lazarus was a keynote speaker at the meeting and declared his support to the community in its efforts to oppose the proposed APEC coal mine development.

Senator Lazarus claimed the current government had no interest in preserving the health of the country.

The Queensland Senator went on to say the planned mining projects on the Liverpool Plains was a perfect example of international companies making money from prime agricultural land and local communities.

He called for more bipartisan studies into the long-term effects of CSG and open-cut mining projects on the health of the surrounding environment.

"A Royal Commission is needed on both human and agriculture impacts," Senator Lazarus said.

"When it comes to mining, people feel they are not being listened to and that the government is ignoring evidence of negative impacts.

"The results of this survey send a clear message to mining companies that we do not want mining here.

"We are making a stand for our children and grandchildren's futures here."

Greens spokesperson Elizabeth Ure was outraged that the government was continuing to invest in fossil fuels when there was an opportunity to move towards a renewable energy direction.

The Greens candidate said she was glad for the cross-bench support from Senator Lazarus and supported his call for more investigation into the long term effects.

"It's a stupid risk that ultimately will leave a dirty big hole in the ground," Ure said.

Lock The Gate local survey co-ordinator David Finch praised the efforts of those involved calling it the first real chance for residents to be heard on an issue that has such huge ramifications for local residents.

Vote results

92% of Goomburra, Allora and Berat residents surveyed voted "no" to future CSG or open-cut mining in the area