EcoUpdate: March 2026

We’re lucky to have a community of passionate people taking real action for our environment — and with stories worth sharing. From our Anna Bay community not just rolling up their sleeves, but then taking action to resolve the litter problem, to our EcoNetwork gathering coming together to learn more about key environmental issues, there’s always something inspiring happening.

You’ll find easy ways to make a difference — like having your say on Council’s flood risk directions (but act now), joining in on the upcoming massive planting around Boat Harbour, and standing with a retired couple bravely challenging a coal giant to Australia’s first ever coal climate hearing before the High Court.

You’ll see just what amazing, hardworking people we have in our community.

Sue Olsson
Acting Editor this issue info@econetworkps.org

Next issue, please submit stories before 15 April to info@econetworkps.au

Insights into the “Dirty” Truth behind the Anna Bay Clean Up

Anna Bay Cleanup plunged deeper this year than a simple litter pickup. The 32 dedicated community workers analysed their collection, found some unexpected litter sources, and took action to find solutions. Get the latest >>

Community forum puts decision-makers on notice

A great turn out to EcoNetwork’s Forum, Communities Creating Change and Defending the Environment. Participants gathered to hear the strategies employed in these far-reaching issues; the range, the commonalities and the specialities. Find out more >>

Opportunity knocks in an energy crisis

This interesting historic perspective brings us to today’s energy crisis and questions what opportunities we can seize that may not have been apparent or politically possible before. Take a peek >>

Autumn planting to restore Tomaree Coastal Walk around Boat Harbour

We’re planting over 1,500 coastal trees, shrubs and grasses throughout Autumn, with a FAMILY planting in the holidays, then some weekday and weekend opportunities too. Find out why, when and where. You’re invited >>

Take ACTION for conservation

Are you interested in Council’s directions on flood and risk management?

Have your say on Council’s draft policy now on exhibition, with comments due Tuesday 24 March. Check out this detailed analysis; you may like to comment on an aspect important to you. Read more >>

Muswellbrook residents & EcoNetwork members, Tony and Wendy, fight a David and Goliath battle for climate.

Greenfields coal mines banned in NSW, but demand can be met for decades with time extensions and expansions to already approved mines, reports the Guardian. Meanwhile, two retired school teachers are instrumental in taking the first ever climate case to reach Australia’s highest court.

Stand with Wendy & Tony. Help take on a coal giant.

EcoNetwork advocating for the environment

One of EcoNetwork’s avenues for advocacy is through submissions to protect our environment.See here >>

Our latest submissions included Mach Energy’s proposed expansion to Mt Pleasant Coal Mine and KKEPS submission to protect koalas at Kings Hill precinct 7

Eco-extras

● Thank you to all the firefighters who worked over such an exhausting period on the Nerong fires. Through most of Port Stephens we experienced clouds of smoke, and for many highway disruptions. From December to February some 6,420 ha burnt, much of it in the Myall Lakes National Park. Fires like these are becoming more extreme and harder to control, with climate pollution from burning coal, oil and gas turbocharging Australia’s bushfire risk. Read more >>

● Newcastle waterway listed among the state’s microplastic hot spots Find out >>

COMMUNITY calendar

March

Sat 28 am: Plant Giveaway at Wanda Wanda head car park

Tue 31: NPA Marine Parks Forum! Delivery 30×30 in NSW

Now – 17 April: Valerie Taylor – An Underwater Life Exhibition

Now – April & May: Wings Over Wetlands ART Competition

April

Throughout April: Bush regeneration is good for the environment and for us. Find a time with the Friends of Tomaree National Park, casually or regularly, to help make a difference in Tomaree NP. With four locations between the park’s northern and southern tips, there’s loads of opportunities (Nth T: Tues 7, Sat 11, Thurs 16; Fingal Sth: Sat 18, Fri 24; Boat Harbour Mon 20 + planting, Sth T: Sun 12)

Fri 3 – Mon 6: Coolah Tops NP, Easter camp at Coxs Creek camping area with walks of varying distance and grade (half to full day) on the plateau. Great views. Walk with NPA.

Tue 7 midday: Designing for Success – Smart Home Design for Builders & Renovators — it’s more than aesthetics — it’s about creating a space that is healthy, comfortable, energy‑efficient, low‑maintenance and future‑ready.

Tue 14 am: Autumn Family Planting at Boat Harbour. Families and community are invited to help us plant and restore some of our treasured coastal vegetation on the Tomaree Coastal Walk in Boat Harbour.

Wed 15 midday: Designing for Success – Retrofit Solutions for Renters and Landlords — showcases practical, easy‑to‑install products that improve thermal comfort, reduce energy bills, and enhance indoor wellbeing year‑round.

Mon 27 April: Community Autumn Planting Boat Harbour

Promote your environmental events on our Community Calendar

Did you know you can submit your own environmental or sustainability events to our Community Calendar and then to EcoUpdate?

Here’s how following our website menu – GET INVOLVED / Community Events Calendar / Promote your event.

OR Save our direct link “Promote your event” to upload your environmental event.

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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.