It’s biodiversity month and great news for endangered Little Terns on Corrie Island and NSW, defying nation-wide shore bird breeding declines. Meanwhile at Shoal Bay’s carpark, wildlife in the big eucalypts have suffered a devastating blow ~ paradise lost to parking.
Our groundwater is currently very topical. Check out the highs and lows of our watery snippets. With rainfall in Port Stephens trending upward, road maintenance will be ongoing, but does that warrant selling our surplus ‘road reserves’? EcoNetwork believes many are valuable green spaces. And RealEstate.com discusses how green spaces shape our future.
Ironically, a new report finds the full economic value of nature nationally, is equivalent to the combined contribution of the financing and mining sectors. In Port Stephens we know nature is critical to our tourism and wellbeing, consistently highly rated in Council’s liveability surveys and place plans. So why is Council cutting down nature? We’ve lost the trees at Shoal Bay, please make your voice heard to protect Mambo Wetlands.
Some thoughtful reading to enjoy
Sue Olsson
Acting Editor this issue info@econetworkps.org
Next issue, please submit stories before 6 October to info@econetworkps.au
‘Woppa’ time for Little Terns
‘Woppa’ time for Little Terns, an uplifting story on our very own Corrie Island in the estuary. It’s particularly pleasing as eroding coastlines are impacting beach nesting birds almost everywhere.
Tomaree’s groundwater peaked
Tomaree’s groundwater is at its peak ~ we’ve seen it, we’ve lived it, now discover more about the highs and lows of what’s now surfaced.
Our Sustainable Living Festival is on again ~ 22 Nov 2025
SAVE the date ~ it’s shaping up to be a bonza day.
Do you have an activity that messages sustainability, a product, or would like to profile your community group? Applications for stalls are open.
UPDATES to existing webpages
TAKE ACTION for conservation!
Preliminary concepts for the future of Tomaree Lodge are available. Here’s the web page and the snapshot summary. Don’t delay responding. Paper copies available at the first room when entering the precinct weekdays.
The GKNP has been a long time in the creation and is yet to be legislated. See the map and details of the GKNP from the NSW Environment. Check the views and appreciation from the NPA and the GKNP alliance. Importantly the GKNP joins several reserves, and with forest logging stopped in the adjoining corridors, a large and potentially resilient national park for koalas will be created.
Our advocacy and submission
EcoNetwork and KKEPS, our diligent special interest group, have been hard at work this last couple of months advocating for the environment, with over 10 submissions.
ECO-extras
● How green spaces shape the future of Aussie communities, a developer’s perspective for health, liveability and sustainability.
● A new report finds the full economic value of nature nationally is equivalent to the combined contribution of the financing and mining sectors.
COMMUNITY calendar
24 Sept: Connecting Community and Councils: Scaling home energy upgrade programs. Online webinar, 1-2pm Information and registration
27 Sept: Forest regen on Tomaree’s One Mile Headland You’re invited to a community morning helping regenerate coastal forest on the Tomaree Coastal Walk removing invasive weeds. Just 2-3 hours and together we make a big difference. Information and bookings
Now – 16 Oct: Dive into the fascinating world of Port Stephen’s most iconic marine life with the Whale and Dolphin Display, Visitor Information Centre, Nelson Bay
Now – Nov: The Wildflower Art Walk has arrived at Yacaaba Art Walk, Nelson Bay
Sept – Oct Spring is here, sun is out, come walking with the National Parks Association, this Wednesday 24/9 at Buladelah (Alum) Mountain, 1/10 trace the early convict road Karuah and Tahlee, 8/10 Hunter Wetlands ~ Ash Island, 12/10 from Murrays Beach and further afield on 22/10 to Spion Kop overlooking the Hawkesbury River.
9 Oct: Shorebird workshop, learn about these incredible migratory birds, tips to recognise and ways you can help. RSVP by 6/10.
Oct: Looking to enjoy nature, do some bush regen, and make a personal difference with other caring people? Join us to help build some resilience to Tomaree National Park’s habitats clearing invasive weeds. Find out more about the Friends of Tomaree National Park, come casually or regularly, choose from 4 locations with 8 different sessions ~ something for everyone!
28 Oct: Migration, shorebirds, and the importance of Port Stephens with Neil Fraser
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 late October. Please submit articles or email to discuss.
Submit before 6 October to info@econetworkps.org
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We’re calling out to our EcoUpdate community for help.
Just a small team to assist on a variety of tasks ~ whether it is finding local stories (not necessarily writing them!), editing, 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
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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.
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