What's Happening?
More than 20 Australian artists, including King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and Jimmy Barnes, have collaborated on a new version of King Gizzard's song "If Not Now." This reworked track serves as an anthem for a campaign aimed at protecting Western Australia’s
Scott Reef from proposed natural gas exploitation. The song, credited to Scott Reef, is a joint effort by Greenpeace Australia Pacific, Green Music Australia, and p(doom) Records. It is available digitally and as a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl. The initiative seeks to raise public awareness about the potential environmental damage posed by Woodside's Browse gas project, which plans to drill up to 57 wells in and around the reef. Scott Reef, a 15-million-year-old coral system, is a critical habitat for numerous marine species, including endangered ones like the dusky sea snake, pygmy blue whales, and green sea turtles. The original "If Not Now" won Australia's inaugural Environmental Music Prize in 2022.
Why It's Important?
This musical collaboration highlights the growing intersection of environmental activism and the arts in Australia, aiming to influence public opinion and government decisions regarding significant ecological sites. The involvement of prominent musicians like King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, known for their global reach with over 1 billion Spotify streams, and national icon Jimmy Barnes, lends considerable weight and visibility to the campaign. This collective artistic effort underscores a broader societal concern about balancing economic development, such as natural gas extraction, with environmental preservation. The campaign directly challenges the narrative of fossil fuel corporations like Woodside, which emphasize job creation and energy security, by focusing on the irreversible damage to a pristine marine ecosystem. The project also brings together diverse voices, including Indigenous artists, further enriching the cultural and ethical dimensions of the environmental debate.
What's Next?
The Australian Federal Government is expected to make a decision on Woodside’s Scott Reef proposal in the coming months. The artists involved in the "If Not Now" project are actively calling on Environment Minister Murray Watt to reject the development plans. The release of this anthem aims to intensify public pressure on the government ahead of this decision. Environmental organizations like Greenpeace Australia Pacific and Green Music Australia will likely leverage the song's popularity and the artists' platforms to further mobilize public support and advocacy. Future actions could include more public awareness campaigns, petitions, and direct lobbying efforts targeting policymakers. The success of this musical initiative could also set a precedent for how artists engage in environmental advocacy in Australia and potentially inspire similar movements globally.
Beyond the Headlines
The "If Not Now" project transcends a typical protest song by weaving together multiple layers of cultural and environmental significance. It brings together three generations of the Barnes family, including Ruby Rodgers, who won the 2026 Environmental Music Prize, symbolizing a generational commitment to environmental stewardship. The inclusion of Indigenous language and cultural perspectives from artists like Fred Leone and Terry Guyula highlights the deep connection Indigenous Australians have to the land and sea, framing environmental protection as a matter of cultural heritage and sovereignty. This collaboration also reflects a growing trend where artists use their influence to address complex socio-environmental issues, moving beyond mere entertainment to become active agents of change. The campaign implicitly questions the long-term sustainability of Australia's resource-dependent economy and its impact on unique natural assets, prompting a broader societal reflection on national values and priorities.
