Niamh O'Flynn, speaking at a public forum yesterday, told councillors "fracking" was on its way to the South, and the council needed to respond.
Fracking is the hydraulic fracturing of geological formations to release hydrocarbons, by shooting water and chemicals at high pressure into wells to crack the rock and get out more oil and gas.
It has already been used in Taranaki and has been proposed for other parts of the country, including Canterbury, and has resulted in opposition from groups concerned about the environmental implications.
Ms O'Flynn said she was not a scientist, but was worried about water pollution from the process, the high level of water consumption, the health risks and, what she said, was growing evidence fracking caused earthquakes.
The practice "seems pretty terrifying to me", she said.
There was a lack of government regulation surrounding fracking, and she called on the council to join three district councils - Selwyn, Christchurch and Kaikoura - which had called for a moratorium.
A moratorium needed to stay in place until strict regulation ensuring safety was in place, and Ms O'Flynn asked for a letter to be sent from the council to the Government stating its position.
Councillors called for staff to collect information on the practice, so they could consider any response.
