At a meeting this week councillors unanimously supported a motion by Greens councillor James Ryan for a comprehensive independent population health study.

Cr Ryan wants the study to not only show the potential impacts of coal-fired power stations on Cessnock residents but also on the local water supply and food chain.

Councillors also agreed to call for the monitoring system to be available on the internet in real time.

"There has been fairly widespread support for this from the Upper Hunter communities and it has been recognised that these issues need thorough investigation," Cr Ryan said.

The council will also request a permanent and "well resourced" Environment Protection Agency office in the Upper Hunter to investigate and monitor pollution.