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.

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

An alliance for threatened species in a warming world

Coordinator of the Hunter Community Environment Centre, Jo Lynch, leads a coalition of groups, including EcoNetwork, planning to save threatened species in the Barrington to Hawkesbury Climate Corridors, Read more

Community to have their say on Tomaree Lodge

At long last the NSW Government is taking action to determine the future of the Tomaree Lodge site located at 4 Shoal Bay Road and has opened a community consultation process which runs until Friday 6 January 2023. Read more

Renew – Hunter Region Branch

Renew is a member-based non-profit organisation providing expert, independent advice and sustainable solutions to households, government, and industry across Australia. The Hunter Region Branch invites you Read more

Sustainable Futures Festival 2022

Working in partnership with local communities, businesses and government agencies, EcoNetwork Port Stephens held the inaugural Sustainable Futures Festival between June and September 2022. Read more

Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association (TRRA) Update

Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association update about issues around Port Stephens and the activities of our local council. Read more

EcoUpdate highlights

Four local marine species listed in Action Plan

Iain Watt describes the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park as having the ‘rather ignominious honour’ of hosting 4 of a total of 8 marine species on the priority list in the recent ‘Threatened Species Action Plan.’ Read more

Un-Pleasant Reality

Either coal is dead, or we are. Does that seem a bit dramatic?
Paul McGuire shares his opinion on why the Mount Pleasant Mine expansion at Muswellbrook should not go ahead. How can we stop it – or can we? Read more

Gardens that can withstand holiday neglect!

Sometimes people say … ‘I can’t have a garden, it’s too much responsibility and I like to go away on holidays’. Little do they know, it is possible to have the best of both worlds! Read more

Shorebirds: can we do more to protect them?

The third and final article in Neil Fraser’s series on the shorebirds of Port Stephens looks at the international agreements for protecting shorebirds. The conservation status and some of the key threats are discussed. Read more

Wildlife heroes saving our Wombats

Did you know we have the only dedicated wombat hospital in Australia right here in the Hunter? Meet the special people who made it their mission to keep our wombats alive. Read more

Welcome