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
WALK: Green Point to Valentine
November 18 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pmWebinar: H5 bird flu and Australian wildlife
November 20 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pmClimate Adaptation Workshop – Hunter Wetlands Centre/Ash Island
November 21 @ 9:30 am - 3:30 pmWALK: TomareeNP: Fingal to Big Rocky
November 25 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 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 Marine Studies Group – update on pilot dolphin study 🐬 🐢
“Something is up with the estuary”
In response to growing concerns that our local Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin population is in decline, the primary focus of this pilot study has been on initiating a comprehensive dolphin survey within the Port Stephens estuary including creating an exciting new app.
Dolphin Census – Sunday 15 November 🐬
Are you joining ORRCA for the 22nd Annual Port Stephens Dolphin Census?
Latest EcoUpdate
In this edition we take a deep dive 🥽 into some of the eco-happenings in Port Stephens including the seabird sanctuary on Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah Islands 🏝️, the Bogong moth migration 🤎, and how NSW needs to be doing more to achieve the 30×30 conservation initiative. 💚
H5 bird flu a major threat to wildlife
If you see 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
Walk Green Point to Valentine Wednesday 18 November
Join the National Parks Association – Port Stephens / Lower Hunter Group for an easier, shorter walk incorporating some bushland pathways and stunning views of Lake Macquarie from the boardwalk.
G3, 8 kms
Leader Debbie Baker
Our areas of focus
Our Network in Action
Coastal forest regen at One Mile Headland, Tomaree Coast Walk
A community of fantastic people gather at various events to gradually manage invasive weeds on the Tomaree Coastal Walk at One Mile / Morna Point Headland Read more
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. Read more
Medowie Landcare
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 … 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
EcoUpdate Highlights
EcoUpdate: November 2026
In this November edition we take a deep dive 🥽 into some of the eco-happenings in Port Stephens. Read more
EcoNetwork Port Stephens Marine Studies group: pilot dolphin study 2025-26
Since the launch of the EcoNetwork Port Stephens Marine Studies Group in late 2025, the primary focus has been on initiating a comprehensive dolphin survey within the Port Stephens estuary. Read more
Achieving the 30 x 30 targets – NSW has a huge gap
We are calling on the NSW Government to protect and restore at least 30% of land and sea by 2030. Read more
Creating more tree hollows
Port Stephens Council have installed augmented – or artificial – tree hollows across four local reserves. These help provide safe nesting and shelter for native wildlife including several threatened woodland bird species but are they the best solution? Read more
Bogong moths: why they are here and how to help
If the Bogongs have found a safe space at your place like they have at mine, consider yourself lucky. It’s their stopover on a long haul flight. 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