EcoNetwork advocates that a precautionary approach to dredging within the Port Stephens Estuary must be adopted by all management agencies.
At the General Meeting held Friday 22 March 2013 EcoNetwork members decided that the principles on which the approach be based are:
Applications/approvals must be preceded by comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment/Statements and cost benefit analyses to assess all potential environmental benefits versus adverse impacts of artificial sediment transport in Port Stephens.
Further, that the environmental health of the Lower Myall and Karuah River systems be improved by expanding remedial land care works in the entire catchment to reduce erosion and associated sediment transport to the Myall Lakes and Port Stephens.