Party leader, Aidan McLindon, said in a media statement that the discovery of the cancer-causing agent benzene in three wells near Mackay increased the need to proceed with caution and to put people's lives and livelihoods before the interests of mining companies.

"While I support the expansion of the industry in Queensland, it has to be done in a safe manner that ensures drinking water is safe, and that prime farming land is not destroyed," he said.

"As many farmers and concerned Queenslanders are pointing out, rushing into these developments without proper safeguards may not be in the best interests of our State.

"I have had farmers contacting me in tears concerned for their future livelihoods, yet the major parties have ignored them.

"The Queensland Party and the Independents were the only MPs in Parliament who supported a moratorium on coal seam gas exploration when a division was called to amend the Geothermal Energy Bill 2010.

"The LNP (Liberal National Party), in particular, have sold out their true believers - the Queensland farmer in regional Queensland - to please the mining companies that fund them.

"They have put aside their duty as the Opposition to hold the Government to account and instead voted with the ALP (Australian Labor Party), as they too often do.

"In the meantime, the Queensland farmer is suffering and their lives and livelihood are at risk.

"The Queensland Party will stand up for them and continue to call for a moratorium until it is certain that there will be no long-term adverse environmental impact from the coal seam gas industry and genuine consultation has taken place with landowners."