It comes after the state government launched a Parliamentary Inquiry into gas exploration and extraction.

Both West Wimmera and Ararat Rural City councillors agreed to adopt a policy position on the issue.

West Wimmera council will oppose any exploration and production of onshore unconventional gas in Victoria, unless there was framework in place to ensure protection of the environment and communities..

Cr Warren Wait said council would only change its stance if the social and environmental effects of gas exploration were not detrimental and there was an appropriate level of community support.

Mayor Annette Jones said council needed a clear view on the issue.

She said it was important to oppose unconventional gas exploration.

Councillor Ron Hawkins voted against the opposition.

Chief executive Mark Crouch said unconventional gas referred to various types of onshore natural gas, including coal seam gas.

“The state government inquiry will hear from experts, review the scientific evidence and consult fully with the community,” he said.

“The moratorium on new exploration licenses and tenements for onshore gas, hydraulic fracturing and exploration drilling will remain in place, pending the inquiry.

“Various councils have already articulated opposition to onshore unconventional gas exploration and have support continuation of the state government moratorium.”

Ararat Rural City councillors will develop a position on the issue. 

Councillor Glenda McLean said onshore gas activity has become a contentious issue in some parts of western Victoria.  

“I believe that instead of being caught on the back-foot, council should explore the options and adopt a position for future reference," she said.

Victorian Farmers Federation land management chairman Gerald Leach said there was not enough science to support the unconventional gas industry.

“The federation strongly urges the state government to extend the moratorium on issuing new onshore gas exploration licences and fracking, to include all types of onshore unconventional gas exploration and mining until at least 2020,” he said.

“Onshore gas developments could put the state’s precious groundwater reserves at risk. 

“Federation members also told us that they wanted to get more information into both sides of the issue – sighting there was not enough Victorian specific information about onshore gas.”