|
EcoUpdate August 2025Brought to you by EcoNetwork Port Stephens |
Dear {name}
While we’ve had some grey days, on a colourful note, our wildflowers are superb, and with exhibitions and walks on offer, there’s lots to brighten your day. If you’re an armchair traveller, read about a journey up Munibung Hill.
Many issues currently confront our community ~ we’re experiencing costly climate disasters. Find out more about Council’s intended road map to reduce emissions and let councillors know you support it.
Roads are an issue throughout the LGA, as is the proposed selling of ‘surplus road reserves’, some of which we treasure. Check out EcoNetwork’s viewpoint and we’d love your feedback. Be sure to submit to Council, as they want to know what’s important to community.
The Shoal Bay carpark development has outraged many in our community, with the loss of the mature shady trees. You could tell council you value our trees, and ask development to halt in lieu of the local traffic survey.
Meanwhile over at Salamander Town Centre we’re very concerned for Mambo-Wanda Wetlands buffers which are proposed for development, and the environmentally important land seemingly earmarked for recreation. We need your support!
Sand and erosion is another big topic. You’re invited to come along to our FORUM for a perspective on all things sand and erodible!
Check out some interesting environmental stories beyond the Port, and an action packed calendar of events.
We hope you gain some insights!
Sue Olsson
Acting Editor this issue info@econetworkps.org
Emissions Reduction Action Plan ~ a Win Win for all
Council has saved considerably through several emissions reduction programs in the last 4-5 years. However, without a road map until now to achieve its promised carbon neutrality by 2025, it has exposed Council to unacceptable high costs for carbon offsets. The responsible action is to switch to Zero Carbon by 2050, follow their road map in the Emissions Reduction Action Plan toward a staged delivery with an imperative on better business decisions as technology and opportunity arises. You can TAKE ACTION too!
Celebrate our wonderful wildflowers
A Tomaree treasure often under recognised, but this year our wonderful wildflowers are being celebrated through exhibitions and varied walks. We’re lucky to have so many ways to enjoy our wildflower wonderland. Find out how you can also appreciate their beauty.
Road closures and land sales ~ EcoNetwork is seeking your feedback
Council’s proposed ‘surplus road reserve’ closures and land sell is causing concern for many.
* EcoNetwork has developed some principles for consideration and welcomes your feedback.
* We’d like to hear your views on the merits of the various blocks proposed
* Please sign an important legislative e-petition to fund major roads and protect our environmentally and community important blocks.
Walking in Minibung Hill
Reflections on walking THE Minibung Hill near Lake Macquarie, a significant Awabakal site. With views over the lake and varied forests including remnant rainforest, it’s a hill many feel is worth conserving.
Community does not support Shoal Bay carpark tree loss
Shoal Bay carpark redevelopment is going against community desires. Analysis of community commentary demonstrates community does not support the loss of trees at Shoal Bay carpark. EcoNetwork supports Mambo -Wanda Conservation Group’s call to Council to wait for the Shoal Bay road survey outcomes. Make your voice heard!
Built on Sand: A perspective on sand and erosion in Port Stephens
You’re invited to our EcoNetwork Forum. Join us for Built on Sand: A perspective on sand and erosion in Port Stephens, with guest speaker, Iain Watt, President of EcoNetwork
Hear also from various affiliate groups about their work and advocacy.
Sunday 31 August, 1pm – 2.30pm
Everyone is welcome to stay for the AGM at 2.30pm
Any enquiries to the Secretary@econetworkps.org
RSVP by Thursday 28 August
Updates to existing webpages
Submissions ~ take action for conservation!
Your can make a difference …
Let your Councillors know that you want …
- their support for delivery of the Emissions Reduction Action Plan
- trees in Shoal Bay carpark protected and to plan in the future to retain trees
DUE 18 Aug. Help stop the Redbank biomass-fired power station near Singelton. We are gravely concerned that the proposal will accelerate habitat loss by creating an incentive to clear native vegetation that otherwise would never be cleared. Please make a submission, due 18 August, to prevent native vegetation and forests from being burned for electricity. Submission guide provided. Read more here
DUE 19 Aug, drop in session 7 Aug. Salamander Bay development compromises the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands. EcoNetwork is concerned that the open space surrounding the current development footprint is planned for selling off for intensive development. This land acts as a buffer to Mambo-Wanda Wetlands. Loss of the buffer will degrade Mambo Wetlands. Additionally high quality land earmarked to ‘preserve’ within the precinct will be bordered by development and is planned as a recreational area as well as conservation, and will therefore become degraded. See our discussion, submit before 19 August and attend the remaining drop in session Thursday 7 August.
DUE 24 Aug. Submit on the merits of the closure of surplus roads and their sale. Read more here
Next issue we’ll feature some of EcoNetwork’s advocacy and submissions.
Eco-extras
● We’ve heard about the devastation of the South Australian algae bloom. Have we got the makings of a Harmful Algal Bloom in the Port Stephens estuary? Read about the range of causes, impacts and importantly, measures that can help reduce the likelihood here in Port Stephens.
● How are Australians adapting to climate change? Here are 729 ways. Find out what Australia’s governments, industries and local groups are doing to adapt to climate change. The more society can do now to prepare for change, the better off we’ll be in the long run. The database also helps people share knowledge so anyone striving to improve their resilience to climate change can look for ideas and inspiration.
● Why a seawall might not protect both beaches and homes from coastal erosion, ABC reports and queries whether home owners have a right to protect their home from coastal erosion, when it could come at the cost of neighbouring properties or public access to the beach?
● World’s highest court issues groundbreaking ruling for climate action. Here’s what it means for Australia … “must reduce emissions in line with the best science, and regulate the fossil fuel industry to prevent further harm … countries are legally obliged to prevent harms caused by climate change … repudiates Australia’s claims it is not legally responsible for emissions from our fossil fuel exports.”
Community calendar
Now – 8 Aug, Exhibition the Birds & Bees & Blooms, features two creative artists, showcasing native orchids, fragile ecosystems, stunning visual storytelling, and celebrating nature through mechanical form.
4-10 Aug: Landcare Week
Aug: You’re invited to join us in Tomaree National Park, enjoy some nature, meet up with some caring people, and help improve the resilience of Tomaree’s habitat. Find out more about the Friends of Tomaree National Park, come casually or regularly, choose from 4 locations with 9 different sessions ~ weekends and weekdays, for just a couple of hours. Something for everyone!
9 Aug, 11am – 12pm: Australia’s Agricultural Identity – An Aboriginal Yarn. Joshua Gilbert, Worimi man explores a new approach to farming, combining ancient knowledge with modern technology.
10 Aug: Sounds of Sustainability Festival, Valentine
12 Aug, 12-1pm, Briefing: What happens when renewables approach end of life? Online
Aug 14 pm, Port Stephens – a land formed by fire and ice, register for the presentation on the ancient and recent geology of the Port Stephens area with Neil Fraser, Newcastle Museum.
15 Aug ‘Faster and Fairer‘ Tour with Dr Saul Griffith, Rewiring Australia,
10 Aug + other dates, Nature Makers: Art, Garden & Growing Together (Family Workshops)
17 Aug, Port Stephens Bottlenose Dolphin Census 2025 Land and water based participants, no experience necessary, just an interest in dolphins. Locations from Tomaree Lodge to Tilligerry Creek, Kaurah and Myall rivers.
10 & 26 Aug, 11 & 13 Sept: Wildflower Wonderland, enjoy and learn on one of several short walks, Tomaree National Park.
August – September Winter is not only wonderful walking, now late winter into Spring, wildflowers are everyone. Walk with the National Parks Association, NPA’s program July-Dec. 20/8 Wildflower wander high & low trails, Tomaree National Park, and 24/8 Tomaree Coastal Walk: Samurai-Boulder Bay circuit, 29/8 WALK: Sculptures on the Farm, Dungog Common, 3/9 Dudley to Redhead, Glenrock SCA & Awabakal NR, 10/9 Central Coast Elephant Rock, Patonga/Pearl Beach
20 Aug: Enjoy a colourful day on a Wildflower wander in Tomaree’s high trails and low trails.
Aug – Oct 30, Wild-Flower Art Walk, Yacaaba Art Walk, Enjoy an outdoor Art Gallery during August to October, corner Yacaaba & Magnus Street, Nelson Bay.
26 Aug, Nature & Renewables Toolkit Launch Online 12.30 – 1.30 pm, What are the opportunities to enhance and restore nature through the rollout of renewable energy?
Promote your environmental events on our Community Calendar
Did you know you can submit your own environmental or sustainability events to EcoUpdate?
Here’s how following our website menu – GET INVOLVED / Community Events Calendar / Promote your event ~ simple!, or save this direct link to Promote your event.
Call out for EcoUpdate articles and your help
NEXT ISSUE early September. Please submit articles or email to discuss.
Submit before 25 August to info@econetworkps.org
Do you have just an hour or two to spare each week?
We’re calling out to our EcoUpdate community for help with EcoUpdate. We’re hoping for just a small team to assist on a variety of tasks ~ whether it is finding local stories (not necessarily writing them!), photos for our articles, local community environmental events, or relevant environmental stories from the news ~ a myriad of small tasks makes a big job easier. And we’re interested in hearing from anyone with Word Press skills who can help upload material. Please email us at info@econetworkps.org
EcoNetwork Port Stephens
Our Vision: Ecologically sustainable communities existing in harmony with the natural environment.
Our Purpose: To support our members and to educate and advocate on environmental issues that impact Port Stephens communities.
www.econetworkps.org : secretary@econetworkps.org : Facebook
