Protesters gather in anticipation of rig arrival

THE ENTRANCE to Eden Creek State Forest in Doubtful Creek, Kyogle Shire, has again become to focal point for community opposition to CSG this morning with more than 90 protesters flocking to the site.

By 7:30am this morning protesters had gathered near the entrance of the road that leads to Metgasco's next drilling site, located on private land on the western boundary of the State Forest.

Protesters have also stationed multiple lookout posts at main road junctions en route to the area.

Despite the ramping-up in activity from protesters, the police presence is virtually non-existent.

Around 7am, three police arrived in an unmarked SUV to check the site, but left a short time later.

Protester and police liaison Gordon Fraser-Quick said the police had informed protesters they were happy for the gathering to continue, despite three cars being parked in front of the gates to Eden Creek State Forest.

"The reason we've got such good numbers here is it reflects the growing concern of the imminent departure of the rig at Glenugie," Mr Fraser-Quick said.

"(But) there's three things that need to happen before the rig can get here - one, they have to get out of Glenugie, two, they have to get up the highway, and three, they have to get into here."

Based on yesterday's pattern of events, police would be expected to set up a command centre near the site before any Metgasco vehicles arrive.