A group of environmentalists dressed as superheroes and native animals to protest outside of Goulburn MP and Minister for Planning Pru Goward’s Bowral office.

For part of the protest, the group was joined by members of the Highlands-based Ecopella, an environmental activist choir.

Participants voiced their disapproval of Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek mine project, but Ms Goward said the group “shouldn’t worry”.

Maules Creek is adjacent to Leard State Forest in north-west NSW.

The protestors have called on Ms Goward, in her role as the minister for planning, to “be a hero” and help “save the forest”.

Leard Forest Alliance spokesman Phil Evans said the group’s concerns included the safety of animals in the forest.

Mr Evans said more than 30 species would be threatened or endangered in the Leard Forest.

When asked for a response about the protest, Ms Goward said “people have the right to protest”.

“They shouldn’t worry, there’s still a long way to go for the assessment of the mine to be finalised,” she said.