An eco-friendly welcome
Welcome to EcoNetwork Port Stephens, a not-for-profit, apolitical 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.
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.
What’s new?
Our Network in Action
Are NSW Marine Sanctuaries under threat?
The NSW Government recently released the ‘NSW Mainland Marine Park Network – Draft Management Plan 2021 – 2031’ for public comment. What are the threats to be concerned about? We share our views on what needs to be done. Read more
Tracking the sun – Solar on the go
When EcoNetwork member Neil Ritchie retired, his first project was to build a portable sun tracking solar panel for his camper trailer. Find out how … Read more
STOP poisoning our wildlife
Earlier this year, many of us signed a petition organised by Birdlife Australia demanding that an application by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) to use … Read more
Boomerang Park Group represented in indigenous artwork
Telling the story of how Boomerang Park Preservation Group based in Raymond Terrace is represented in Indigenous artwork. Local artist, Peter Kafer, played a significant role in helping establish the Group in 2015. Read more
Securing Tomaree’s Biodiversity
Thirteen community groups based on the Tomaree Peninsula came together and submitted a significant proposal to protect the habitat corridor linking Tomaree National Park, Tilligerry Nature Reserve and Mambo Wetlands. Read more
EcoUpdate highlights
Hawks Nest paradise under threat
Hawks Nest is a quiet seaside town on the NSW mid-coast with a population of just 1200 residents. In 2002, the town was declared an Aboriginal Site of Significance due to … Read more
Ask Bunnings to ditch bird-killing poisons
Your action to ban bird killing rat and mice poisons is having an impact! Can you help us step it up? Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) poison birds of prey … Read more
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens
The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens on the Pacific Highway at Heatherbrae has reopened to fully vaccinated visitors and the new calendar of events includes a nocturnal wildlife spotlight walk on … Read more
Watch and listen for this remarkable bird
Tomaree Peninsula birdwatcher, Neil Fraser, contacted EcoNetwork to enquire if any of our members may have spotted, or heard, the unusual and elusive Bush Stone-curlew. Read more
The future of our beaches: erosion and artificial reefs
The future of our beaches: erosion and artificial reefs By Iain Watt, Marine Scientist and President, EcoNetwork. The iconic beaches of Port Stephens have taken a hammering this year, from … Read more
Sustainable Living
Sustainable Futures Festival – 15 May 2022
EcoNetwork’s inaugural Sustainable Futures Festival is being held on 15 May 2022. We hope our wonderful community of Port Stephens and visitors from far and wide will take part in this special event. Read more
Living with and charging an EV
Every household’s vehicle needs are different and EcoNetwork members, Les and Anne Pinney, describe their experience owning and charging their battery electric vehicle. Read more
COP26 – what happened?
Climate Action Port Stephens member, Andrea Barnett, shares some highlights (and lowlights) of COP26. We also look at international research including connections between climate change and COVID-19. Read more
Caravanners on the move – managing wastewater
Responsible wastewater management is an important part of caravanning to protect public and environmental health. Peter Rogers outlines the nature of caravan wastewater and options for best practice disposal. Read more
Renew your Energy with Enova
Do you want an energy provider that doesn’t invest in coal, gas, or oil?
How about one whose profits stay in Australia and are reinvested here? EcoNetwork has partnered with Enova who work with communities to generate and share their own renewable energy. Read more