The Lurkers, after winning the 2013 Songs for Social Justice Award, presented Alistair Hulett Memorial Fund with their song ‘Mining Man’, have just released a film clip animated by Patch Sinclair.
The song is especially timely as the New South Wales state government have recently lifted a moratorium on fracking (hydraulic fracturing). In January, gas company Santos was fined $52,500 for spilling 10,000 litres of untreated toxic coal seam gas waste into the Pilliga State Forest in northern NSW.
Over the last four years, residents have been actively organising to prevent similar environmental damage and musicians have been quick to lend their support, with artists like John Butler and Nahko and Medicine for the People recently boosting morale at the Bentley Blockade near Lismore.
You can find out more about the ongoing campaign at csgfreenorthernrivers.org, gasfieldfreebyronshire.org and Lock the Gate Alliance.
