Eastern Star Gas (ESG) stakeholder relations general manager Peter Fox said the accord’s decision to meet with the company was positive.

“We are disappointed the landholders have rejected mediation because an independent mediator would have been well placed to progress dialogue,” Mr Fox said.

“However, the group’s decision to meet with us is a breakthrough.”

Mullaley Gas and Pipeline Accord (MGPA) spokesperson Mary Cadell said the group had decided to reject the offer of mediation because “we didn’t have all the facts”.

“We believed it would not be in the interest of the MGPA to agree to this, considering the project has not even been approved,” Mrs Cadell said.

“We are willing to meet with ESG, on the understanding that our position in relation to the pipeline remains unchanged.

“The MGPA continues to assert that the black alluvial farmland on the floodplain and surrounding areas is not a safe or suitable place for a high-pressure gas pipeline.”

Mrs Cadell said the MGPA’s position on the unsuitability of the farmland for the pipeline was based on concerns with regard to “safety, the environment and the future operations of our farming businesses”.

Mr Fox said he was hopeful the meeting would allow a fresh start to relations between the two groups.

“Unfortunately, because we haven’t had the opportunity to meet, we haven’t been able to address the concerns raised face-to-face,” he said.

“We’re hopeful a meeting will allow us to work through the issues raised by the MGPA, one by one, in a constructive and respectful manner.”

Mrs Cadell said the MGPA had held meetings with federal member for New England Tony Windsor, who visited a site where rains had washed away the soil from around the Central Ranges pipeline.

NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly has also met with the MGPA.