![Hayden Cudmore checks on his rice Hayden Cudmore checks on his rice](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-agfeed/2066324.jpg/r0_0_1024_681_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
HITTING the pause button on coal seam gas (CSG) in the Riverina was the "sensible" solution for ricegrowers in the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
Hayden Cudmore, "Benerembah", Griffith, said he was relieved the move had strengthened his rights to say no to CSG.
The unknown long term implications of exploration was the main headache, he said.
"The rice industry has proven itself to be sustainable whereas an industry like coal seam gas has question marks over it."
"The industry is not totally opposed to gas; we understand there's a requirement for energy and some irrigators may well want exploration, but where others don't I think those rights should be respected."
As the CSG interest has moved its way south, Mr Cudmore (pictured) said more input was the catchcry of growers in the region.
He said their main concern was a lack of say in whether exploration and gas companies could access private property.
"Those who oppose it outright shut themselves out of debate because it doesn't give them anywhere to compromise."
"We have to be part of the process otherwise we will miss out on having any input."