Aided by a cuppa, a warm fire, a loudspeaker and dozens of brightly coloured signs, Caroona landholders settled in for a long wait.

The residents blocked off landholder Tim Duddy’s property after mining giant BHP secured a legal injunction to stop Mr Duddy from blockading the property himself.

The blockade began about 7am – the time last Friday’s court order allowed BHP drillers to access the Duddy

property.

Four-wheel-drives and utilities lined Rossmore Park Rd leading up to the Duddys’ farm gate.

Tommy Clift and Robin Simson served coffee and snacks to the large group as kids waved “no mines” signs above their heads.

Mrs Clift, a neighbour of the Duddy’s, said she had already seen one effect of the exploration licence being granted, with property prices falling as a result.

“So many people have turned out to support us,” she said.