Former federal Liberal MP Pat Farmer says it is foolish for prime minister Tony Abbott to deny the world is moving away from coal to cleaner fuels.
Mr Farmer, a member of the Howard government alongside Mr Abbott, has joined opposition to a controversial coal mine proposed for the NSW Hunter Valley, saying it puts sustainable industries at risk.
The former member for Macarthur has also criticised the pro-coal stance of his one-time parliamentary colleague, describing Mr Abbott's stance that coal is "good for humanity" and vital for the future as "foolish".
"I know I'm absolutely going to upset somebody that I consider as a friend," Mr Farmer told AAP.
"The prime minister still believes in knights and dames and that may be something that has not caught up with modern times.
"And I'm sure that if we look at the coal industry and we look at renewables you could view it in that same context."
Mr Abbott famously said coal was "good for humanity" and an "essential part of our economic future" while addressing miners last October.
Mr Farmer said coal was important historically but the world was moving towards renewable energy and cleaner fuels.
"For any leader to deny that is, I think, a foolish thing to say," he said.
Mr Farmer has a high profile as an international ultra-marathon runner who has run across Australia, North America and from the North Pole to the South Pole to raise funds for charity.
He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015 for his services to the community.
Mr Farmer said the Drayton South coal mine sought by Anglo American would put sustainable Hunter Valley agricultural industries at risk for a mine that will last up to 15 years.
He said he was frustrated by NSW planning processes that have allowed Anglo American to seek approval for a smaller version of the mine despite it being refused by the independent Planning Assessment Commission in 2014.
He has set up the Hunter Environment and Local Protection (HELP) group to lobby NSW Premier Mike Baird to stop the mine and has run radio advertisements to support the cause.
"All I'm pushing for is some decent legislation so people know exactly where they stand, including the mining companies," he said.
Drayton South is opposed by Hunter Valley farmers, winegrowers and thoroughbred industry operators, while Anglo American says the mine will protect 500 jobs that will be lost when the current Drayton mine is exhausted.
Mr Farmer said he is not anti-mining but wanted common sense to prevail.
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