A member of the Bentley Rural Fire Service says the local station will be used by police during anti-gas protests.

RFS volunteer and local farmer Craig Armstrong says the majority of those in the Bentley brigade voted against the proposal.

Mr Armstrong's family donated the land for the RFS Bentley station, which is surrounded by the property earmarked by Metgasco for exploratory drilling.

He says the feelings of the local brigade have been over-ruled by the local council.

"As volunteers we don't have a say about what happens with it," Mr Armstrong said.

"The Rural Fire Service hierarchy... which is above us volunteers, came to a meeting and told us they were going to do this regardless of the votes of the members.

"Richmond Valley Council also gave it the go ahead."

RFS Northern Rivers spokesman, Superintendent Michael Brett, says it was appropriate to co-operate with police.

He says it was not a political decision.

"We didn't assess it on the needs of coal seam gas or any other type of exploration work, and what's occurring at Bentley is co-operation between ourselves and the police in them undertaking a public order and community safety role," Supt Brett said.

"We have no RFS personnel or equipment involved."