The broadsheet yesterday ran an article under the headline Tim Flannery backs coal seam gas.

The article claimed Professor Flannery had warned opposition to coal seam gas exploration could lead to "social dislocation" across regional Australia at a conference in Wollongong recently.

But the country's chief climate commissioner defended his environmental credentials in a statement issued to the press yesterday afternoon.

Professor Flannery said he was "very disappointed that the headline of the article seriously misrepresents my view and bears no resemblance to the speech I delivered".

He said he was concerned for environmental damage "cowboys of the industry" could cause.

"There has been little research on the long term impact on prime agricultural land and water resources from coal seam gas extraction," he said.

"It is clear that the worst of the industry can damage all of the above.

"It is important that more research is done and that the industry is better regulated and held accountable."

The controversial coal seam gas industry has started its march on the North West with several companies beginning exploration in the region.