Christchurch is a Fracking-Free Zone

Christchurch City Council today voted unanimously to declare Christchurch a fracking-free zone.

Fracking or hydraulic fracturing is a mining system which involves injecting chemicals into rocks so they break, releasing oil and natural gas.

Today’s decision followed a recommendation from the Spreydon-Heathcote Community Board that  the Council declare the city fracking-free. The strong stance is because of concerns about the impact of fracking on the local environment, including contamination of the city’s underground water supply and fracking’s link to earthquakes.

The Council also decided to call on the country’s other territorial/local authorities and regional councils to declare their areas fracking-free. Christchurch City Council will discuss the issue with  Environment Canterbury.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says the Council received extremely positive feedback when it called for a moratorium on fracking earlier this year.

“However today’s decision takes our opposition to this practice a step further. It is a very strong sign from the Council that we do not want fracking taking place in this city. We hope that the strong stand we are taking is picked up by councils in other areas,” Mr Parker says.