BHP Billiton is to host the first a series of public information evenings next week to discuss its plans for the Caroona Coal Basin between Gunnedah and Quirindi. The information meetings will begin at Quirindi on Monday afternoon before moving to Caroona, Gunnedah and Werris Creek.

It is exploring 350 square kilometres around the Caroona area against a backdrop of strong suspicion from property owners who are worried about the effects coal mining will have on valuable farming land and the water tables. The exploration project will incorporate three stages in up to five years.