Residents joined with internationally acclaimed Mexican street artist Libre Hem and former Territory community artist Meri Davies to produce an impressive piece of public art highlighting the risks of fracking in the region.

The brightly-coloured frack-free Katherine mural, on the corner of Lucy Street and the Victoria Highway, was completed over two days with the help of more than 30 residents and stands at 3x7 metres.

The mural depicts iconic Leliyn (Edith Falls) and the Katherine region threatened by plans for gas fracking.

The artists are in Katherine this week for a series of public art projects in collaboration with local community groups and Katherine Regional Arts.

Each artwork represents an topic of importance to the Katherine community while aiming to beautify the urban landscape.

Property owner Penny Fawkner said her family had been looking for a way to unite the community in support of the frack-free cause while beautifying a previously un-used brick wall.

“Already we’ve had a steady stream of passers-by commenting how much they love the new artwork, with hundreds of motorists tooting their horns in support.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer up our road frontage real-estate to such an important cause, which we hope will help to educate and inspire the local community to protect our region from fracking gasfields.”

From Tijuana in Mexico, Libre Hem creates colorful murals inspired by the districts and people where he paints. All carry a strong social message while making a bright and bold visual impact.

“I believe art is a very important tool for social change. Art is an unspoken language that everyone can feel empowered by. By bringing this message outside of the gallery or the museum or internet you directly impact each passerby. We are pleased to be part of a piece of public art for the community that stands for a common good – to protect the beauty of this region from fracking.”

.