The Australian rock icon has recorded a video while on tour in Mackay to be played for local students at the Global Climate Strike protest on Friday.

"I am a father and a grandfather and want my grandchildren and the younger generation to live in a safe world, free from the dangerous effects of man-made climate change," he said.

Thousands of students across Australia are expected to take part in Friday's strike, with rallies planned in capital cities and regional towns.

Some students have called for Adani not to proceed with their Carmichael coal mine in Queensland as well as a ban on new coal, oil and gas projects.

They also want a completely renewable energy system by 2030.

"I'm striking because Australia is facing a serious climate leadership deficit," Brisbane high school student Megan Gardner said.

"We will be the solution, not the problem."

The strike is the latest in a worldwide movement started in August 2018 when 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg began protesting outside Sweden's parliament on school days.

Australian Associated Press