Gas mining company Metgasco refused to sign up to a deal that would recognise the right of farmers to reject drilling on their properties, and will not rule out forcing itself onto private land in future.

The revelation will do little to dispel distrust from some parts of the community over the company's operations in northern NSW, where gas drilling is expected to start within weeks.

"We've never forced our way onto land and would never want to do that, we know we need community support": Metgasco chief executive Peter Henderson. Credit:Wolter Peeters

Metgasco has been on the defensive this week over its handling of a hoax email written by a Lismore teenager, which falsely announced it was shutting down its Northern Rivers project. The company referred the incident to the corporate regulator, prompting claims it was heavy handed.

The O'Farrell government last week announced an agreement with farming groups and energy giants Santos and AGL, which recognised the right of landholders to reject or allow coal seam gas exploration and production on their properties.