With the federal election only a month away, concerned Ballarat residents took the opportunity to remind politicians that action needs to be taken on climate change.
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BREAZE's Walk Against Warming attracted about 200 people for a stroll around Lake Wendouree, with many holding signs calling for more to be done.
Speeches from campaigners were followed by live music at the MacDonald Bandstand.
The walk followed the international youth climate strikes last month, which have occurred twice in Ballarat - organiser and BREAZE vice president Mary Debrett said it was promising to see this in a regional centre.
"I do think that Ballarat is doing quite a lot, and our council has made some positive moves, they endorsed the statement of climate emergency and they passed their carbon neutrality plan unanimously," she said.
"Our council gets that it's a non-partisan issue, which our federal leaders don't."
READ MORE: Ballarat's journey to carbon neutrality
She added regional people, especially farmers, had more to worry about from a changing climate, and recent weather events were proof of this.
"We can't blame the government for the drought, but we can blame them for inaction on climate change which is leading to more extreme droughts," she said.
Many of the marchers said they held fears for their children and were frustrated over the federal government's inaction.
John Petheram, a BREAZE member, was carrying a large anti-coal sign on his back, and said he was at the first Ballarat rallies 12 years ago.
"I wanted to bring that banner along but it's a bit faded, it's got over a hundred signatures on it," he said.
"It's nice that there's quite a lot of people out (today) that I haven't seen before - we've got to do something."
Samantha Clarke was marching with her two young children, Ruby and Milla.
"We're saying coal is old, stop using coal, because it's temporary and I want a more sustainable future for my children," she said, adding it was important to get out of the house to raise awareness.
"It keeps it in people's minds, especially as we go into the election, about what's important."
Correction, April 15: Ms Debrett said the government could be blamed for inaction on climate change.
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