In the same week that the proposed Bylong project was rejected partially on environmental grounds, students from Mudgee High School and St Matthew's, alongside teachers and community members, marched on the CBD to campaign for greater action on climate change.
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The student strike called for; no new coal, oil or gas projects; 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030; and funding for a just transition and jobs for fossil fuel workers and communities.
When the march convened at the intersection of Church and Market streets, student Logan Hackney read a speech that talked about "the complete disregard that so many in power have when it comes to the future generations".
"Our current government is setting up us and future generations to fail, forcing onto us a mess we did not create," she read. "Yes, we have contributed to this catastrophe, yes we have been part of the problem, we are not exempt or special, the difference is however, is that we know this.
"We were placed within the constraints of a society where contributing to climate change and global warming is inevitable. We have no choice but to use gas powered vehicles to travel large distances, consume products created using the killer that is plastic and to utilise electricity that is born in the embers of fossil fuels.
"It is fundamentally impossible to live in modern day society without these things, so those that argue we are part of the problem, yes, we are, but at least we are willing to recognise our wrong doings and make way within our lives for change."
Student Stephanie Phyllis said that far from an opportunity to get out of school, this was part of the bigger picture, the Earth's future, and to call for greater attention to the impact of a warming planet.
"A lot of adults say that the kids striking for climate change just want to get out of school, which isn't true, children who want to have a day off school want to do something easy. They don't want to campaign for something that's quite difficult," she said.
"One day isn't going to impact our education. But to promote something like our future will help. This isn't a situation that's affecting a small group of people, it's affecting the entire human race.
"We know, the government knows, we have the evidence, we have the science, and we know what needs to be done - but we need to take action on it immediately."
She added that they were also campaigning for people who are already being affected by climate change - including farmers.
Student Mia Swords said that including community members was one of the keys to a successful march.
"It was very inspiring to see how many people turned up, because they had to take time out of their lives and jobs," she said.
Among them were members of the Mudgee District Environment Group. And Phyllis Setchell said "MDEG totally supports student action".
"[Climate change is] coming so quickly that it's actually affecting our generation, years ago we thought it's a long time off, now we know it's heating up," she said.
"It's inter-generational; it's the adults who live in this community; the young people; the children; my great-grandchildren. But this march is wonderful to see, very encouraging."
The action was backed by Australia's Education Unions, their statement said that this was indeed educational. "Education is all about paying attention to the facts. Australia's school children along with students across the globe are calling on the Australian government to do the same," it read.
