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
OCTOBER BUSH & COAST regeneration with the Friends of Tomaree National Park
October 3 @ 8:00 am - October 30 @ 10:00 amWALK: Maitland Levee / Walka Water, Maitland
October 7 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pmWALK: Myall Lakes National Park ~ Hawkes Nest to Yacaaba
October 11 @ 7:45 am - 3:30 pmWALK: Wallarah National Park: Caves Beach to Catherine Hill Bay Loop
October 14 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 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.
EcoNetwork Port Stephens presented to a booked out forum: The resilience of our coastal and marine life
Over 80 people joined marine biologist Bob Creese and EcoNetwork Port Stephens to hear local leading experts explore some of the biggest challenges facing our marine environment including coastal erosion, turtle mortalities, oyster reef restoration and freshwater impacts following heavy rainfall.
DISTURBING NEWS for Mambo Wetlands 🐨
Council will undertake to rezone the buffer from Commercial to C2 Environmental Conservation, protecting the buffer for the future.
We still need your help to ensure Mambo’s long-term protection. 👏🏼
Can you write to your Councillors and attend the 25 August Council meeting when the General Manager will deliver a report on developments near Mambo Wetlands?
H5 bird flu a major threat to wildlife
There have been confirmed detections of H5N1 – a serious and contagious strain of bird flu posing significant risks to wildlife, ecosystems and especially our threatened species – in wild birds across Australia and in NSW.
If you notice sick or dead marine birds, domestic birds, marine mammals or other wildlife showing signs of bird flu, you should NOT touch them or get too close. Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on ☎️1800 675 888
Biodiversity Month
Why is this important? What is happening to maintain our biodiversity?
Sweet Pea, a beauty and a beast
A garden plant escaped to the bush, impacting biodiversity locally and from Qld to WA!
Help Regenerate Coastal Forest at One Mile!
Saturday morning 7 Nov
Our areas of focus
Our Network in Action
Help us protect Mambo and Wanda Wetlands as an Aboriginal Place
Heritage NSW is receiving submissions on the viability of Mambo-Wanda Wetlands being declared an Aboriginal Place to recognise their cultural value to the original inhabitants of the land, the Worimi. This would support the environmental and community values we all want to protect. Read more
Medowie Landcare
It’s Biodiversity Month and Medowie locals are looking to start a new landcare group to protect and enhance their local environment. Dee Murdoch who is seeking interested people said “This … Read more
Contradictory news for Mambo Wetlands
Port Stephens Council has made some concessions about building on the Mambo buffer zone. They have agreed NOT to build on the area west of Tomaree Library. We are still asking Council to stop development in ALL areas of remaining buffer zone around Mambo Wetlands. Council have agreed to investigate the reclassification of these areas so that the community is not continually fighting these battles to protect Mambo Wetlands. Read more
Swan Bay DA – a win for the environment
Swan Bay DA – a win for the environment and the Far Eastern Curlew In an important win for the environment, a proposed tourist accommodation park at 1107 Swan Bay … Read more
Mambo Wetlands still needs your urgent help to protect it into the future
Mambo Wetlands needs your urgent help NOW to ensure changes to the proposed Salamander Town Centre Development fully protect Mambo Wetlands TODAY and INTO THE FUTURE Read more
EcoUpdate Highlights
EcoUpdate: September 2026
September is biodiversity month and protecting our natural and cultural environment is this theme. Read more
Michael Smith
A glimpse into Michael Smith ~ advocate, author, naturalist, founding member Michael Smith was a foundation member of EcoNetwork Port Stephens, surveyor, naturalist, advocate and author. In his 16 year stay … Read more
What do Shoal Bay, sea squirts and unsolved mysteries have in common?
Econetwork’s Marine Forum August 2026 examined the “Resilience of Port Stephens’ Coastal and Marine Life” to the effects of climate change on our local marine ecosystems in unexpected ways. Read more
Mambo Wetlands at what cost?
Mambo Wetlands — at what cost? Council has plans for Port Stephens as an Eco Destination.Where does Mambo Wetlands fit in? By Iain Watt11 August 2026 Iain Watt is a … Read more
EcoUpdate: Marine Forum 23 August 2026
Come along to our Marine Forum and explore the challenges, resilience of our marine life and the inspiring restoration projects ~ 23 August 2026. Read more
Sustainable Living
Biodiversity Month
September is National Biodiversity Month This is a time to … Read more
Culturally-informed Cool Burn Program
A recently released NSW Cultural Fire Strategy commits to removing barriers that hampered cultural burning across NSW. Read more
High Court hears bid to overturn block on 22-year Mount Pleasant coal mine extension
Wendy Wales and Tony Lonergan are fighting the largest coal mine expansion in the state all the way to the High Court. Read the ABC article. Read more
Coal faces reality in the high court!
Breaking news! Coal and climate go to Australia’s highest court, as a local couple, in a David and Goliath battle, fight for climate and our future generations. Read more
Newcastle waterway listed among the state’s microplastic hot spots
Newcastle waterway listed among the state’s microplastic hot spots By … Read more