Anna Bay tourist facility application: clarification of environmental provisions sought

EcoNetwork - Port Stephens made this submission to the Manager, Industry Assessments, Planning Services of Planning and Environment on 28 July 2015. We are aware of the failed 2005 Development Application for the same site and acknowledge this current DA as an improvement on the refused consent of 2005/6. The following comprise our brief assessment of this current project: We support: a) The application of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) principles and criteria in relation to... b) Onsite solar energy generation c) ...

Submission opposing Port Stephens Council Tree Preservation Order amendment

EcoNetwork prepared this submission on 25 July 2015 in response to an amendment by Port Stephens Council to the Tree Preservation Order Development Control Plan 2013: Tree Management. We oppose the amendment arising from the Mayoral Minute, Ordinary Council 12th May 2015, that Council: “provide a moratorium on the need to obtain pre-approval for the removal of trees or vegetation covered by Council’s tree preservation requirements where there is a risk to human life or property for ...

Joint submission against Newcastle coal Terminal 4 development application

Nigel Waters prepared this submission on behalf of Port Stephens Greens and EcoNetwork - Port Stephens for presentation to the Planning Assessment Commission public meeting 13 July 2015 against the Port Waratah Coal Services Terminal 4 (T4) development application. I pay my respects to the elders past and present of the Awabakal and Worimi people, the traditional owners of the land in this area. I appreciate the opportunity to address the PAC today, and stand with ...

EcoNetwork provides feedback on the Commonwealth Marine Parks Review

SUMMARY This submission is in response to the Government's request for feedback on the process for reviewing the management of Commonwealth Marine Parks that were established in 2012 as described on your website: http://www.environment.gov.au/marinereservesreview/about “The Commonwealth Marine Reserves Review is underway following the setting aside of the management plans that were scheduled to come into effect in July 2014.” However, there is no specific reason stated on your website for “setting aside of the management plans” less than ...

EcoNetwork responds to proposed DPI trial of modified crab catching gear in Port Stephens

SUMMARY This submission is in response to the Department of Primary Industries’ consultation process for a proposed trial of modified crab catching gear in Port Stephens announced on 18 December 2014 and detailed in the associated consultation paper on the DPI website: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/539180/Discussion-paper-crab-traps-final.pdf. Please record in your analysis of the public consultation data that approximately 2000 members and affiliates of EcoNetwork-Port Stephens and 15,000 signatories of the Change.org petition to ban witches hat crab nets in NSW ...

Strong objection to Soldiers Point marina extension

Submission to Mr Leonard Allen, Port Stephens Council 21 March 2014 Re: Development Application 16-2012-57-1 Dear Mr Allen: EcoNetwork - Port Stephens Inc. strongly objects to DA 16-2012-57-1 which proposes a 58 berth extension to the existing marina at Soldiers Point. This submission is provided to: 1) correct some of the incorrect information in our previous submission dated 17 February 2014, 2) clarify our position on the likely significant threat to the local population of critically endangered beach stone curlews ...

Changing rules and regulations for recreational fishing in NSW

Assault on our native flora, fauna and their natural habitats

The benefits of affiliation

What EcoNetwork can bring to your organisation and your community. Affiliation with EcoNetwork brings with it a wider identification and acknowledgement of your local group, its concerns and issues needing to be addressed and supported ...

Dredging and reclamation in the Port Stephens Estuary

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 ...