Hundreds of concerned school students, parents and community members gathered in Port Macquarie to take part in the second School Strike 4 Climate Action, on March 15.
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One of the local organisers, Theo Last, said he was happy with the turn out which showed many are concerned about the future and the lack of action on climate change.
"We are the closest we have been to extinction since the Cold War and yet despite climate change being worthy of extreme concern what action have we seen from our government? Nothing but frivolous measures," Theo said.
"We have seen our prime minister bring coal into Question Time like a game of parliamentary show and tell.
"We have seen our state education minister Rob Stokes say that we should be punished for exercising our democratic right to protest.
"If only our government showed half as much outrage towards fossil fuel companies as they do towards us.
"Our critics say we are lazy kids who just want a day off school but they forget to mention that all of us will be straight back to class when all of this finishes."
This comes after many schools across the Hastings issued notices on social media on March 14, that said students were expected at school during school hours and "reasonable grounds for non-attendance do not include student attendance at protests".
Fellow organiser Patrick Rudd was equally passionate speaking directly to the gathered crowd before leading the march to the campaign office of Nationals' candidate for Cowper, Patrick Conaghan.
"Australia is at the forefront of a climate crisis," Patrick said.
"Droughts in New South Wales are met with floods in Queensland and wildfires across Tasmania and we have had some of the hottest months on records.
"Our farmers are forced to rely on charity because water supplies are so unpredictable. We know these events are worsened by climate change and we know they are becoming more common and more erratic.
"Recently we learnt that 2018 was the hottest year on record. Previously that record had been held by 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
"Climate change is real and governments around the world know we are in a climate emergency because experts have been telling them years but they are just too scared to admit it."
Students and supporters from right across the Hastings congregated in the Glasshouse forecourt to listen to the passionate students demand action before marching down Clarence Street, Horton Street, William Street and Murray Street.
Ten-year-year-old Finn Vicars said he thought it was very important that students and young people stand up and fight for action on climate change.
"I am here today because climate change is a problem that will destroy humanity if we do not do something about it right now," Finn said.
"These days politics is about being in power but it should be about issues and saving the environment is a big issue that needs to be taken seriously."
He also said that it is "disgusting that students were threatened with punishment for coming to march today."
Nationals' candidate for Cowper Patrick Conaghan was not in his Port Macquarie office to speak with the students.
He issued this statement offering advice to students that looking after the planet can start at home.
"I am happy to meet with Patrick Rudd or their delegate to discuss their position on climate change," Mr Conaghan said.
"(In a recent interview) I said that my view of looking after the planet needs to be a two pronged approach.
"Firstly, a sensible bipartisan plan from the government of the day that works towards renewables without putting over 50,000 Australians out of work and leaving a $60 billion black hole in the economy, not to mention a 77 per cent shortfall in current power supply.
"Secondly, it starts at home. How many of the students charged their iPhone or iPad all night when it only needed an hour, how many have used an air conditioner rather than opening a couple of windows, and who has used a laundry dryer recently for convenience sake?
"It's simple economics - if there is no demand then there is no supply. Every one of us needs to take personal responsibility. "
Andrew Woodward, Labor candidate for Cowper said he 100 percent supported the students striking for climate action.
Independent Rob Oakeshott chose not to weigh in on the debate, saying it was a time for young people across the electorate to have their voice heard.
"In my view, it is their moment, not mine," Mr Oakeshott said earlier this week. "I have decided to let them speak, and give it a few days, and then respond. That is my way to show respect."
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