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 – 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. We were previously known as … 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
Sustainable Living
COPOUT 27?
Sustainability consultant, Rob McCann, shares his thoughts on global warnings, whether COP27 is important and what it all means for you as a resident of this planet. Read more
Brandy Hill Battery Project
Brian Tehan from Renew Australia and EcoNetwork describes the proposal for a battery energy storage system in Brandy Hill. 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
Saving money and energy at home
Saving money and energy at home – living sustainably in comfort all year round. Read more
Plastic lasts forever – is that such a bad thing?
Many people think plastic is the worst material ever invented, assuming it’s all single use. But not only are more plastics being recycled more than once, they can be repurposed and used over and over again. Read more