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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

EcoNetwork’s Annual General Meeting 15 September 2024 at 2pm

EcoNetwork is excited to let you know that this year’s AGM will be held at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.  On Sunday 15 September the HRBG is celebrating birds! From …   Read more

Kings Hill Urban Release Area

The Kings Hill Urban Release Area (KHURA) is in the Port Stephens LGA, 8km north of Raymond Terrace. To give you an idea of scale, the map below spans an area between Six Mile Rd and Newline Rd and has a border with the Pacific Highway.   Read more

Celebrating 40 years of Tomaree National Park | 2024

Imagine our landscape without Tomaree National Park  Scenically, our treed hills and coastlines bring us so much enjoyment and aesthetic pleasure, not to mention their drawcard for tourism, and the …   Read more

Quarry applications continue unabated

Quarry applications continue unabated By Ewa Meyer, Convenor Renew Hunter Region Branch. Submissions from local residents, environmental groups and concerned residents are trying to present some perspective on the cumulative …   Read more

Maintaining Tree cover in Port Stephens

Maintaining tree cover is a high priority issue. Whether it is from concern over loss of habitat for native fauna, appreciation of the value of trees for shade and cooling, as a carbon sink, or simply a recognition of the importance of trees for visual amenity.   Read more

Yellow-tailed black cockatoo - Photo © Mat Spillard

EcoUpdate Highlights

Culturally-informed Cool Burn Program

The Firesticks Mentoring Program in the Hunter region culminated in the recognition of 22 new Cultural Fire Practitioners in 2023. The Port Stephens cool burn program is a partnership between the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, Hunter Local Land Services, Firesticks and Port Stephens Council.   Read more

Close Encounters of the Bird Kind!

I heard a loud thud above my head and on looking around, I found a bar-shouldered dove lying on the ground feet in the air. It had crashed into our bathroom window and died almost instantly. Find out how window strikes by birds could and should be avoided.   Read more

What value is a century old tree?  

A 3 year saga and at the end … a tree story of woe but a mandate for better processes? Should the environmental impacts on public spaces surrounding private property be taken into consideration when DA’s are being assessed?   Read more

Cultural burning is better for Australian soils than prescribed burning, or no burning at all

​Cultural burning is better for Australian soils than prescribed burning, or no burning at all Anthony Dosseto, University of Wollongong; Katharine Haynes, University of Wollongong; Leanne Brook, Indigenous Knowledge, and Victor …   Read more

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

Sustainable Living

New energy projects – potential impacts on nature

In our effort to decarbonise our world to reduce climate impacts, a raft of new energy projects being rolled out create some concern as to how they may impact our natural environment and wildlife. This is what has been termed the Green vs Green dilemma.   Read more

Environmental Impact Assessment Process for wind farms

There is some pushback on the development of offshore wind farms. Their environmental impact assessments/statements will have to be demonstrably independent and transparent so they cannot be accused of being biased or influenced by the proponents and therefore unacceptable to sectors of the community,   Read more

Global Warnings!

A call for alliances to act on climate and social justice. The first EcoNetwork community forum of the year was held last month. Around 80 people packed the Tomaree Community Hall to hear Dr Mark Diesendorf call on communities to form alliances to combat the power of vested interests over government and institutions.   Read more

Sustainable House Day Program of Events 2024

Sustainable House Day provides the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most unique and inspiring homes, and learn from the people who designed them, built them, and live in them. Sign up for the May webinars.   Read more

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