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Welcome

An eco-friendly welcome

Welcome to EcoNetwork Port Stephens, a not-for-profit and 100% volunteer-run organisation dedicated to the interest of all who treasure and want to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of our Port Stephens estuary, peninsulas and rural hinterland.

Featured Events

Port Stephens contains diverse landscapes including native forests, sand dunes, mangroves and wetlands as well as unique offshore reefs, islands and marine habitats. Our local community has the challenge to protect these natural assets from the ongoing pressures of unsustainable development, tourism and water-based activities.

EcoNetwork Port Stephens, in partnership with many local affiliated groups and businesses, is also closely involved with current statewide, national and global environmental emergencies such as habitat destruction, climate change and plastic pollution.

Join us and enjoy sharing your experiences, expanding your knowledge and contributing to the healthy and happy environment that is Port Stephens.

Our Network in Action

Sister Cities to celebrate wetlands connection

The Councils of Port Stephens, Newcastle and Kushiro, Japan, will this year celebrate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Sister Wetlands Agreement.   Read more

Become a beach scientist this summer and help monitor changing coastlines

When you arrive at your favourite beach these summer holidays, you may notice something different about the coast.   Read more

Noisy, dangerous and intrusive – should jet skis be banned in Port Stephens?

As the number of licences issued for personal water craft (jet ski) continues to increase, so does the number of hoons, not just behaving badly but sometimes endangering the lives of people and wildlife.

So is this a case of the actions of a few jet-skiers giving them all a bad name, or …   Read more

EcoNetwork reaffirms its commitment to First Nations Peoples

EcoNetwork reaffirms its commitment to First Nations Peoples of Australia EcoNetwork Post Stephens believes rightful recognition of, and genuine reconciliation with, First Nations Peoples is fundamental to protecting nature in …   Read more

Let’s walk ‘n’ talk about birds – with Neil Fraser

By Nigel Dique, one of the walkers (and talkers). Photos by Colin Sheringham. What is most surprising about bushwalking in Salamander Bay is the number and variety of birds you …   Read more

Yellow-tailed black cockatoo - Photo © Mat Spillard

EcoUpdate Highlights

Celebrating National Eucalypt Day 2024

Starting in February each year, Eucalypt Australia3 begin a conversation about Australia’s treasured eucalypts.  Gardens, groups, councils and businesses across the country hold events to celebrate their local eucalypts. Join an event or vote for your favourite gum tree.   Read more

NSW Shark Management Program in Port Stephens

The Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park protects some of the state’s most spectacular and rich marine biodiversity, including shark species. Sharks are a natural part of healthy oceanic and estuarine environments.   Read more

Port Stephens – a land formed by fire and ice

Port Stephens – a land formed by fire and ice by Neil Fraser, Geologist (retired). Visitors to Port Stephens who climb to the top of Tomaree Head are presented with …   Read more

How to beat ‘rollout rage’: the environment-versus-climate battle dividing regional Australia

In August, Victoria’s Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny made a decision that could set a difficult precedent for Australia’s effort to get to net-zero emissions by 2050.   Read more

How native bees could help save Australian agriculture

How native bees could help save Australian agriculture Dr Anne Dollin, Australian Native Bee Research Centre The situation so far Varroa Mites, a devastating parasite of European honeybees, were discovered …   Read more

Sustainable Living

Some cautiously good news on emissions

It’s time we dabbled in some slightly positive news, especially when it comes to the climate. Though this is not to take away from the dire circumstances which we find ourselves in. This is all very hard to untangle, so here is Rob McCann with a snapshot of what’s happening emissions-wise.   Read more

A Cruel Twist to Plastics and the Oceans

Marine scientist, seafarer and EcoNetwork president, Iain Watt, takes us sailing out on the big seas. And what he finds ain’t pretty.   Read more

NSW EPA Plastics Next Steps – have your say

NSW EPA Plastics Next Steps – have your say In …   Read more

Caring for Country – with a cool burn

Read about this special Caring for Country event where we learned about the benefits of a culturally-informed cool burn – a low-intensity fire designed to improve land health, re-establish appropriate fire regimes, and reduce the risk and impact of wildfires.   Read more

Stop, Go, Think … Electric!

Are you experiencing energy bill shock? Renew provides some tips on what’s free, government rebates and the best websites to learn more about energy efficient homes.    Read more