EcoUpdate: September 2026

Call on the Federal Government to end the free ride for fossil fuels ~ concerned readers, parents, grandparents, help ensure a more economical and safer climate future

Coal, oil and gas corporations are driving up climate pollution, pocketing billions in taxpayer handouts, and dodging the rules designed to hold them accountable.

When you put our children at the heart of decision-making, the path forward gets much clearer, our kids deserve a safer future.

The Climate Council articulates 3 actions in its call to the Federal Government.

Join the call and make your voice heard >>

Save Link Road Forest – SIGN the PAPER Petition 📝

Help protect one of the Hunter region’s most important remaining urban natural areas in Newcastle vicinity. Home to two endangered ecological communities and at least 17 threatened species, including koalas and squirrel glide is under threat. The e-Petition to the UPPER house was successful, now signatures on the LOWER house paper petition are needed to trigger a parliamentary debate. Drop into Readers Retreat to sign or leave your paper petitions.

READ more >> Download the paper petition

Help stop Polygala being sold and spread 🌱 🪻

A pretty purple pea, Polygala myrtifolia, has escaped from gardens and invaded our local bushland, and coastal patches from southern Qld to WA, replacing the native vegetation.

Please sign the petition to declare Polygala
a ‘Weed of National Significance’ >>

Once declared a ‘Weed of National Significance’, Polygala cannot be sold commercially, and it then increases support for research into biocontrols, as in the PolyGONE Project.

Eco-extras 📢 📢

• Australia is famous for its lizards and snakes. But at least 127 species are threatened – almost twice as many as previously thought.
  👉 Read the article
• Have you collected a copy of the local Koala Tree Guide?  Available as a free digital download. Printed copies for pickup from the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary and Council’s Admin Building during September.
• Citizen scientists join fight to save beloved snow gums ~ which are now in steep decline across every subalpine habitat from Mt Buffalo in Victoria to Kosciuszko and the ACT’s Brindabella Range.

We always appreciate help with submission writing and interesting stories. There are so many other ways you can help if you have a little time to give. 🤗

Find out more >>

Community calendar

View all community events >> 

September 

30 September Submissions close for Port Stephens Council Environmental Projects Fund 💰

October

Sat 3, Wed 7, Wed 14, Wed 21, Wed 28 October  Mambo & Soldiers Point Council Landcare Activities 🪏 🌱

Sat 3, Mon 19 October Friends of Tomaree NP at Central Tomaree / Boat Harbour area 🌿🪏

Tues 6, Sat 10, Thurs 22 October at a beach in North Tomaree with Friends of Tomaree NP 🐬 🪏 Box Beach, Fingal north then Wreck Beach

Wed 7 October Walk: Maitland Levee / Walka Water, Maitland with the NPA

Wed 11 October WALK: Myall Lakes National Park ~ Hawkes Nest to Yacaaba with the NPA

Wed 14 October WALK: Wallarah National Park: Caves Beach to Catherine Hill Bay Loop with the NPA

Cultural Immersion Workshops
Wed 14 October – Bulga
Tues 20 October – Maitland
Wed 4 November – Raymond Terrace
Caring for the land is about more than weeds and plant identification – it’s about understanding the Country we work on, and the people who have cared for it for many generations. Landcare is partnering with Elders, local Aboriginal Community, Rangers and Land Councils to help Landcarers learn about the Country we all live and work on. More information and booking.

Sat 17, Fri 23 October Friends of Tomaree NP at Fingal South 🌿 🪏

Wed 21 October: WALK: Myall Lakes National Park ~ Dark Point/ Tamboiwith the NPA

Climate Adaptation Workshops
Fri 23 October – Merriwa
Sat 24 October – Branxton/North Rothbury
Fri 20 November – Clarence Town
Sat 21 November – Hunter Wetlands Centre/Ash Island
Climate change is requiring us to review and adapt our Landcaring to safeguard the natural places we love, whether that’s your property, Landcare site or local piece of bush. We also need to understand what’s changing with ecological processes across our region and work together to create collaborative responses.. More information and booking.

Wed 28 October: WALK: Swansea Channel to Galgabba Point with the NPA

November

Sun 1 November 2.00pm Affiliate and Member Networking: an informative and interactive session with member and affiliate presentations, discussion of issues and opportunities. Everyone is welcome.
Followed by EcoNetwork Port Stephens AGM, presenting the Annual Report and Executive Committee elections.
Save the date: More information and booking.

Wed 4 November – Raymond Terrace Cultural Immersion

Wed 4 November: Hunter River Cruise, Newcastle to Raymond Terrace

Sat 7 November Regenerating Coastal Forest along the Tomaree Coastal Walk on One Mile Headland. A morning community event together with local community, Australian Climbing Association, Escape EcoAdventures and Friends of Tomaree National Park.

Join in and make a difference. Information and bookings >>

Sat 7 November: Mambo & Soldiers Point Council Landcare ~ 2 groups meeting alternate Wednesdays and first Saturday

Sun 8 November: WALK: Tomaree NP ~ Fingal (north) forest and beach circuit

Promote your environmental events on our community calendar

We welcome submissions to include your environmental or sustainability event for promotion within our Community Events Calendar and regular EcoUpdates.

Submit your event here >>

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