Music identities John Butler and Nicholas Allbrook are set to join an estimated 1000 people outside Western Australia’s Parliament House next week to urge the State Government to ban fracking in the Kimberley.
The sunset rally, organised by Lock the Gate Alliance and Environs Kimberley, comes as a proposed Kimberley gas project moves through regulatory processes and amid growing campaigning over the future of fracking in one of the few regions of WA where the practice remains lawful.
Campaigners say the gathering on 20 October will bring together Traditional Owners, environmental advocates and community members concerned about the potential impacts of gas development on the Kimberley’s waterways, landscapes and cultural heritage.
Niki Ruane
Spearwood resident and Frack Free Kimberley volunteer Niki Ruane said community concern had been building throughout the year.
“Fracking is banned in many parts of WA because it poses serious environmental risks, so why leave the Kimberley vulnerable?” she said.
“Volunteers have been hitting the streets all year, and residents across various Perth areas have been telling us that this issue could influence how they vote. Premier Roger Cook cannot ignore this growing groundswell of concern. It’s time to ban fracking in the Kimberley.”
Ms Ruane said the rally would serve both as a political message and a celebration of a long-running community campaign.
“Tuesday’s rally will be an urgent call to Premier Cook, but it will also be a joyful and inspiring celebration of the community’s years-long battle to protect the Kimberley and stand up for what we love.”
The rally is part of a broader campaign targeting plans by Black Mountain Energy to develop gas resources in the Kimberley. Opponents argue the project could threaten environmentally and culturally significant areas, including the Martuwarra Fitzroy River, which is recognised for its ecological importance and significance to Kimberley First Nations communities.
The sunset rally, organised by Lock the Gate Alliance and Environs Kimberley, comes as a proposed Kimberley gas project moves through regulatory processes and amid growing campaigning over the future of fracking in one of the few regions of WA where the practice remains lawful.
“People across WA love the Kimberley,” she said.
“They know it’s one of the most culturally and environmentally significant places in Australia, and they don’t want to see its precious waterways, ecosystems and communities destroyed by the gas industry.”
Ms van Hattem said a Texas-based company had applied to drill 20 wells in the region and argued that government decisions expected later this year could shape the future of gas development in the Kimberley.
“Community opposition is growing, and we expect this to be our biggest rally ever, with 1000 people expected to attend and demand an urgent fracking ban in the Kimberley,” she said.
The dispute has become politically sensitive for the Cook Government. Fracking is already prohibited across the South West, Peel, Perth metropolitan area and the Dampier Peninsula. However, it remains permitted in parts of the Kimberley, where the proposed Black Mountain Energy project is located.
The proposal recently cleared an assessment step with the WA Environmental Protection Authority and now awaits consideration by Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn.
The issue has also featured in electoral politics. Fremantle Labor MP Simone McGurk previously acknowledged opposition to fracking was a significant issue during the last state election campaign in her electorate.
Organisers describe next week’s event as a family-friendly gathering featuring speakers, entertainment, free pizza and 200 ice creams supplied by Ben & Jerry’s.
Lock the Gate Alliance describes itself as a national grassroots organisation that works with farmers, Traditional Owners and local communities concerned about the impacts of coal and gas developments on land, water and culture.
Event
What: Frack Free Kimberley rally
When: Tuesday 20 October, 5.30pm-6.30pm
Where: Parliament House, Harvest Terrace, West Perth
Features: Speakers, entertainment, free pizza and 200 Ben & Jerry’s ice creams.
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