MINGBOOL grazier Tony Beck says the community will prevail against plans for unconventional gas mining in the region.
"I have never seen opposition this strong to any issue in the region," he said.
And despite politicians, from the major parties, rallying behind exploration companies - which have the law on their side - Mr Beck believes the strength of farmers' resolve when their livelihoods are at risk is being under-estimated.
"The proposed Penola pulp mill is a case in point," he said.
"People are usually pretty conservative, but when it comes to issues that impact on the whole community, they come on board.
"We had 88 people at the Mil Lel Hall meeting recently to hear about unconventional gas issues - I've never seen support stronger than this."
Mr Beck flagged a greater reliance on focused strategies to make institutions, such as banks, aware of the intent of mining companies.
"We have the right to tell them - and their shareholders - that investing in ventures that are unsustainable are not a good look," he said.
"I still have a lot of letter writing to do and the groups opposed to unconventional gas exploration can (legally) make it expensive for the companies to do business.
"We will keep chipping away."
* Full report in Stock Journal, October 30, 2014 issue.