Tim Winton
Camera IconTim Winton Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Author Tim Winton adds voice to WA frack free campaign

Lynn GriersonHills Avon Valley Gazette

AWARD-WINNING Fremantle author Tim Winton has added his voice to the WA Frack Free Future campaign to raise awareness of gas fracking in the run-up to the State Election.

He narrates a mini documentary and TV commercial made by Margaret River filmmaker Richard Todd, the man behind the acclaimed the anti-fracking documentary Frackman.

The campaign draws attention to risks associated with fracking and urges voters to support those parties committed to preventing fracking in WA.

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In a message to supporters, Winton said most people in the State were blissfully unaware gas fracking could occur across vast areas.

“The WA Government has granted gas fracking exploration leases over some of our most productive farmland, our most precious groundwater aquifers and our favourite holiday areas including the South-West, the Kimberley and Ningaloo,” he said.

“Fracking is a risky industry with a terrible reputation globally. It’s like a cancer on the landscape, destroying families and gutting communities.”

“Truly, this State – its lands and water and people – is too special, too precious to put at risk.

“If ordinary citizens don’t take action now, the Kimberley could be industrialised and the State’s precious drinking water could be compromised by thousands of gas wells.

“This is our chance to defend our State and the futures of those who come after.”

Winton said if voters rallied, their voice could have a huge impact because people power had influenced the future of old-growth forests of the South-West, at Ningaloo, at James Price Point and with marine parks.

Frack Free Future spokeswoman Jules Kirby said the support of Winton would help draw attention to the anti-fracking campaign.

Ms Kirby said the author joined a growing army of business and community leaders, academics, farmers, doctors and many more people who were prepared to stand up to protect their State against an accident-prone industry.