Not long after the company’s contractors set up a drill rig next to the Hunter River at Stockton yesterday it was surrounded by about 20 angry residents.

The rig’s operators were forced to shut the machinery down when some residents entered the designated work area.

Police also attended because of safety concerns.

Despite initial concerns that the rig was associated with coal seam gas drilling, the company later clarified it was conducting core analysis work.

‘‘The liquefied natural gas facility may include shipping movements in the north arm of the Hunter River,’’ Eastern Star Gas Stakeholder Relations executive general manager Peter Fox said.

‘‘Work at Stockton today was aimed at assessing the effects on the riverbed and shoreline of these potential movements and any dredging required.’’

Although all necessary approvals had been received, Mr Fox said work would remain suspended while it explained the project’s purpose to residents.

‘‘Once all technical data is gathered extensive and thorough community consultation will occur,’’ he said.

Sue Walker, who drove from Fullerton Cove to attend yesterday’s protest, said many people were concerned about the proposed Liquefied Natural Gas Project on Kooragang.

‘‘They want to put a gas storage facility right next to a chemical facility (Orica). Is there no sense in the world?’’ she said.

Newcastle City Councillor Sharon Claydon said she was shocked to hear residents were not advised of yesterday’s work.

‘‘Coming on the back of the Orica incident it astounds me that they didn’t feel the need to talk to the community about what they were doing,’’ she said. ‘‘We need some very clear community right-to-know protocols put in place.’’