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
Sustainable Living Festival, Medowie, Port Stephens
May 18 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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
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