Sounds for the Reef |

Sounds for the Reef

Posted by: Rebecca on April 7, 2014

Like many of you, we here at The Operatives were outraged by the devastating news that the government was allowing the expansion of the Abbot Point coal terminal and dredging in the waters of the already deteriorating and delicate Great Barrier Reef. It’s often easy to feel like there is nothing we can do in the face of such heartless adversity that allows for big business to damage one of the remaining natural wonders of the world. However, the musical community is among those fighting back and ‘Sounds for the Reef’ is a major fundraising project organised by Straightup, the Australian Marine Conservation Society and WWF-Australia to raise money and awareness to take legal action against those responsible for the decision.

Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Hiatus Kaiyote, Myele Manzenza and Fat Freddy’s Drop are among some of the 21 artists to have contributed to ‘Sounds for the Reef’, a compilation of 21 tracks and artists to raise awareness of the dangers that are currently threatening the Great Barrier Reef – as well as to raise funds for the ‘Fight For The Reef’ campaign.

Hiatus Kaiyote released a statement via their Facebook page:

“We would like to take this opportunity to let you know about an important cause to us; this isn’t something we often do as a band, as we understand that you are all bombarded with bad news and dire messages everyday. But a beautiful part of our country is under threat. The Great Barrier Reef, one of the greatest natural wonders is currently in a very fragile state, and despite this the Australian government is making plans for the worlds biggest coal port, dredging and dumping of millions of tonnes of seabed and rock onto the ocean floor and encouraging a shipping superhighway. This wonder of our planet is irreplaceable. No amount of dollars will heal the irreparable damage. In order to bring attention to this cause, WWF, Straightup and The Australian Marine Conservation Society presents “Sounds of The Reef”. This compilation of songs by a wide range of awesome artists will help fund the legal battle to protect this precious treasure and help raise awareness of this important cause. Please pay $10 and download.”

And we couldn’t agree more.

Donate and download via the Bandcamp page here where all proceeds from the sale of the album will be contributing to the legal action that will argue Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt failed in his obligation to protect the environment, by approving the dredging and expansion of the Abbot Point coal terminal.

More info:
www.fightforthereef.org.au
www.amcs.org.au
www.wwf.org.au
www.straightup.com.au