In a rescission motion, Cr Dale Troy moved to amend the council's draft Local Environment Plan in an attempt to protect the city's booming tourism and vineyard industries against any possible damage from extractive industries.

Although the motion was supported, NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly will have the final say.

Cr Troy said coal seam gas exploration was common across the Cessnock Local Government area and had the potential to damage the area's vibrant tourism industry.

"Tourism is the industry that has generated the most jobs in the LGA," Cr Troy said.

"There was a public meeting at The Vintage recently which 120 business and property owners attended and they were told that gas exploration is permissible under the LEP," Cr Troy said.

"I feel it is important that council listens to the concerns of those in the tourist and viticulture industries and the residents of the district."

He said it was not a pretty sight for tourists coming into the city to see drilling rigs setting up.

Greens councillor James Ryan said exploration wells required minimal environmental assessment and the council had no say.

He said some of these wells could be "100 metres by 100 metres" with holding dams next to them to catch contaminated water.

"They pump in chemicals to fracture the coal seams," Cr Ryan said.

"Chemicals used in the process can be toxic and can contaminate water through those coal seams.

"The dams can also overflow.

"There are big risks in this and we have an iconic vineyard area of national significance right near them."

Cr Chris Parker said one fracture in a coal seam could spell disaster for the vineyards.

"It's in the best interests of the valley to make sure we protect this area," Cr Parker said.

Cr Troy said the council should take a stand on the matter on behalf of the tourism industry and property owners.