John Butler headlines Environs Kimberley Frack-Free Concert at Cable Beach

Award-winning folk singer-songwriter John Butler joined some of West Australia’s best music artists on stage in Broome over the weekend for a free concert pushing the Cook government to stop fracking plans in some of Kimberley’s most delicate environments. Thousands gathered at Cable Beach Amphitheatre on Saturday night, setting up picnic rugs and camping chairs amongst a sea of yellow triangles while donning ‘Frack-Free Kimberley’ t-shirts. The evening started off MC’d by Bart Pigram who introduced a line-up of stellar performers including East Pilbara musician Bradley Hall, Kimberley-based band Puertside, Broome artist Bojesse, Walmatjarri Elder Kankawa Nagarra Knight and Deadly Award winner Emma Donovan. While the sun was setting, audiences were delighted to catch a pod of humpback whales jumping off the coast of Cable Beach, a powerful reminder of the beauty of the Kimberley environment. As crowds grew bigger and the words ‘Premier Cook, Don’t Frack The Kimberley’ on the stage backdrop lit up the audience, the time came for environmental activist and folk singer John Butler to join the show. As soon as his presence was made on stage, the audience immediately matched his energy and listened intently as he highlighted the risks of fracking in the Kimberley. Despite a few technical issues starting off his set, Butler’s wife Danielle Caruana - more commonly known as Mama Kin - took the reins to emphasise the messages conveyed throughout the night while Butler fixed equipment. Once the show was back on the road, Butler played new music from his album ‘Live in Paris’ as well as fan-favourites ‘Better Than’ and ‘Zebra’. While catching up with the Broome Advertiser, Butler said it was great to be back in Broome and encourages people to educate and inform themselves of what fracking is. “It’s one of those moments that makes you feel like there’s magic in the air, it’s just completely heartwarming that everybody knows why we’re here and coming up to support it,” he said. “Time and time again throughout the history of this (fracking) industry, we’ve seen nothing but social , environmental, water and cultural degradation, “Every time this industry says it’s going to be different, it never is - it’s actually worse.” Organised by not-for-profit environmental group Environs Kimberley, Executive Director Martin Pritchard said he was ecstatic to see the turnout of the event. “The people are buzzing with energy, we’re going to see a really strong push towards ending the threats of fracking in the Kimberley from all the people here and beyond,” he said. “We know that people love the Kimberley and they don’t want to see this polluting, dangerous and risky industry in this incredibly pristine place. “What we believe is that the WA Government should listen to the people and make sure that the Kimberley is protecting from fracking into the future.” Check next week’s Broome Advertiser for more pictures from the evening.