John Butler Calls For Government Support After Massive Anti-Fracking Protest Concerts

Aussie musician and activist John Butler’s two anti-fracking concerts in the South West of WA across the weekend were a massive success, with almost 10,000 punters making the trip to protest.

The revered WA muso headed the two Frack Off! concerts on Saturday and Sunday at Cowaramup's 3 Oceans Winery, alongside The Pigram Brothers, Mama Kin and Ten Cent Shooters and actor/comedian MC Peter Rowsthorn, with all proceeds raised through the 9,500 attendees donated to the anti-fracking lobby after concert costs are covered.

The turnout shows the growing opposition to unconventional gas across the state, with the South West, Mid West and Kimberley in serious danger. Butler is now calling for political backing following the overwhelming support across the weekend.

“We don’t want fracking and unconventional gas mining in Western Australia,” he said.

“It’s time for political parties and their leaders to listen and respond. If they won’t stand up and stop this risky industry, then the community is making it pretty clear that they will do it themselves.”

Lock the Gate Alliance's Jane Hammond said the turnout sends a clear message.

“Everyone who attended the concert was conscious of just how important water is to their survival, and they are not going to compromise on the future of our water supplies, and are demanding the same commitment from our political leaders.” she said. 

The event was also supported by anti-fracking organisations Gasfield Free Southwest, Environs Kimberley, Frack Free Future and The Wilderness Society.