But now they are packing their belongings, after selling to Gloucester Resources to end what they say has been a living hell brought about by potential mining on the town's doorstep and the coal exploration company's acquisition of surrounding properties.

Mrs Tresidder, backed by nearby neighbour and Gloucester Shire deputy mayor John Rosenbaum, has called for tougher rules to govern exploration licences and oversight from the state government.

When the Tresidders bought their 16-hectare property, in Fairbairns Road, they were told of the Stratford mine about five kilometres south, run by separate Gloucester Coal.

Their land has since become part of the exploration area of Gloucester Resources, and gas company AGL is conducting a seismic survey.

Mrs Tresidder said she discovered a neighbour had sold to Gloucester Resources when a drill rig appeared. Other close properties had since been bought or were under offer.

After about three years, she became depressed over fears their home would be left isolated and worthless next to a new mine, and felt pressured not to complain. The couple will move to the other side of the town, after they asked Gloucester Resources to buy them out.

Mr Rosenbaum said Gloucester Resources had shown little evidence of a resource in the area and only a few "tin pot" drills had appeared shortly before its licences were renewed last year.

"They should be obligated to let people know in a reasonable amount of time what is going on," he said.

Gloucester Resources new chairman Keith Ross said communication with residents about exploration and property dealings would be clearer in future under his steerage.

He said he expected rigs would be brought in soon to focus on Forbesdale, and he hoped to give residents an idea in about a year of whether a mine was feasible.