Here’s a bumper issue of EcoUpdate to get through this time – so get a cuppa, or something stronger, put your feet up and see what Port Stephens has been up to lately!
Whether you’re winding up or winding down, it’s a busy time of year. I hope you find some time to read this issue of EcoUpdate, sadly my last. I’d like to thank Nigel Dique who in 2021, entrusted me with taking over the EcoNetwork website he had created, and for being there to support me every step of the way. Kathy Brown, too, was never far away with practical advice, and assisted with proofreading, checking facts and links etc.
Before I go, I have a special request for you – EcoNetwork’s friends and affiliates at Resourceful Living experienced a shocking event last month. A blaze in the middle of the night, likely deliberately lit, destroyed their plastic recycling factory and everything in it.
Jess, Geoff, Pete and the kids now start the long journey to rebuild their family business and livelihood from scratch. An advance order of a recycled plastic product would make a huge difference to the Hodge Family. Please read the inspiring story of their dream, and consider making a special purchase, however small, to support their recovery.
So it’s now time to give someone else a go in the web editor’s role. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these past 26 issues of EcoUpdate – or at least some of them!
Many articles from previous issues remain relevant, so do take a look at the September 2024 edition – and right back to August 2021.
Thanks for listening!
Ewa Meyer
Editor (retiring) ecoupdate@econetworkps.org
FORUM, celebrating 40th anniversary of Tomaree National Park
We celebrated the 40th anniversary of Tomaree National Park in style. We shared a Tomaree cake, we heard from Worimi Elders, community experts and NPWS staff. Their kaleidoscope of informative Tomaree stories kept us stimulated, as did NPWS’s fantastic Friends of Tomaree National Park video celebrating its people and why they care for the national park. Read on and join us as we reflect on this celebratory and enlightening afternoon.
Kicking the milestones for Tomaree
The Friends of Tomaree National Park are celebrating 4 years of bush regeneration milestones, and they’re changing the face of Tomaree one step at a time, as they strive to help reduce the progressive impact of invasive weeds.
Join their journey vicariously as they grow from small beginnings and work to improve the integrity and resilience of a landscape we all love and enjoy, the Tomaree National Park.
Spring into Summer at Robinson Reserve – 23 November!
STCA has recently been reinvigorated and is striving to connect our local community with each other so that it becomes more vibrant and resilient.
On Saturday, 23rd November, we are hosting our first event: Spring into Summer community picnic at Robinson Reserve, Anna Bay. For December we are planning a competition for the best decorated house with Christmas lights in postcode 2316. Local businesses are donating prizes for both events (really good ones!).
A Tale of Two Islands – Unlocking the mysteries of Gould’s Petrel
The graceful Gould’s Petrel is one of Australia’s conservation successes, brought back from near-extinction three decades ago. Though land-based threats were managed successfully, recent declines in its population pose a puzzle, and have sent Dr Yuna Kim of the Australasian Seabird Group and BirdLife Australia’s Emily Mowat out to sea to find the answers.
We also bring you an eye-opening video presentation about our local Port Stephens marine life by Seasik Productions which was shown at our Bird Forum.
The Editor of Australian Birdlife has permitted us to republish A Tale of Two Islands, recently featured in their Spring 2024 issue.
Challenging times continue for North Arm Cove Community
The North Arm Cove Community Association has been operating since 1967 and has approx 120 members. It is currently focussed on development and land clearing issues associated with the 100 year old, 3,500 lot paper subdivision that is adjacent to the village.
Members have listed 9 actions that the NSW State Government could take to help stop the environmental destruction of this land, and protect its biodiversity and endangered and vulnerable species including the Koala and Glossy Black Cockatoo.
EcoNetwork AGM farewells Nigel
This year, EcoNetwork’s Treasurer stepped down after over 10 years on the committee. Nigel Dique will be greatly missed for his insightful contributions, his genuine care for everyone, his passion for the environment, and of course for his wonderful sense of humour. We’ll see you around the Bay, Nigel!
EcoNetwork Committee members staying on are President Iain Watt, Secretary Alison Rogers, Vice-president Sue Olsson, members Nigel Waters and Brian Tehan. New committee members elected were Jo O’Brien as incoming Treasurer, Kim Scott and Bob Creese.
Have Your Say on Cats
In January 2023, Neil Fraser and Ewa Meyer wrote an article for EcoUpdate called Killer Cats, stating that NSW is far behind other states in any sort of cat control, and outlining some ways in which the laws could be improved and enforced. Local councils should be enabled to enforce anti-roaming laws for pet cats at a local level.
Fire destroys family’s circular economy
Last month, a devastating fire destroyed the Resourceful Living factory and all its contents. From celebrating 3 years of achievements – to losing everything they’ve worked for. Please take a few minutes to read about the journey that Jess and her young family embarked on – and how you could help in a small way.
Renew – sustainable living and technology at its best
Did you know that Port Stephens locals are regular contributors to the leading national sustainability magazine, Renew: technology for a sustainable future.
In the Spring 2024 issue, Rob McCann from Anna Bay is ‘On the Right Track’ about building sustainable rail systems. Also in this issue of Renew, Dr Mark Diesendorf, our guest presenter from the Climate Forum earlier this year, has written a piece on ‘Refuting myths about nuclear and renewable energy’.
In Sanctuary: Modern Green Homes magazine, feature articles include Bringing Nature Home, retrofitting on a budget and much more. Annual subscriptions from $54 are available online. Both magazines make a great gift for those interested in sustainable living, and keeping up with the latest technology. If you’re in Port Stephens, and you’d like a free sample copy Contact our local branch.
Rooftop solar – way to go!
Australians love clean energy at home. One in three households has rooftop solar installed, making us a world-leader in the technology’s uptake.
Did you know? About 40% of Australia’s main national electricity grid is powered by renewables and this is set to rise to 80% by 2030.
On Sunday 20 October 2024 at 11.15am, a surge in rooftop solar output propelled the share of renewables output on Australia’s main grid to a record high of 75.2 per cent, of which 50% was from rooftop solar from homes and businesses!! This sent the share of coal and operating demand levels down to record lows.
Picnic for Nature
Our Picnic for Nature, a fun family event to celebrate 40 years of Tomaree National Park, focused on ways to connect beach, bush and your backyard. From making bird nest boxes, bee and insect hotels, to learning about local plants that encourage pollinators, habitat dioramas, post burn headland walks, and more.
We enjoyed a day meeting lots of people in our community ~ with a great turn out despite massive winds causing a last moment change of venue. Many thanks to PSP for sponsoring the wildlife homes.
Updates to existing webpages
The IPC hearing for the Stone Ridge Quarry proposal in part of Wallaroo State Forest took place last Thursday. Local residents and their supporters, concerned about yet another rock quarry in the area, presented their case at the meeting. Port Stephens and neighbouring LGAs in the Hunter Region continue to be the source of raw materials for infrastructure projects for Sydney.
The Cultural Cool Burn program continued last month in Mallabulla on the Tilligerry Peninsula. Port Stephens Council has partnered with the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, Hunter Local Land Services, and Firesticks – an Indigenous organisation empowering communities to protect and enhance Country and wellbeing by reviving Cultural knowledge practices. A great example of collaboration to keep our environment healthy and our communities safe.
Book reviews
We have two book reviews for you this time. Ewa Meyer talks about Curlews on Vulture Street by Darryl Jones. If you’re interested in bird behaviour but don’t feel up to reading scientific papers, then this could be the book for you: light-hearted, fun and very informative.
Alison Rogers reviews The Thinning, by award-winning literary writer Inga Simpson, where the protagonist is racing against time to fulfil a request from her mother to reach a specific location prior to a solar eclipse!
Eco-Extras
Inquiry into the management of cat populations – Invitation to make a submission by this Friday 22 November 2024.
A review into the wildlife rehabilitation sector by the NSW Government. Public submissions are open until 30 November 2024.
Ghost nets: the silent killer haunting our oceans
Our oceans face a silent threat: ghost nets. These abandoned, lost or discarded fishing nets (ALDFG – collectively known as ghost nets or ghost gear) are devastating marine life by indiscriminately trapping, entangling, and drowning countless species including marine mammals, seabirds and sea turtles.
Dead and injured humpback whales found in krill fishing nets near Antarctica – ABC News 2 November 2024.
Two humpback whales were found dead and a third was found seriously injured in krill fishing nets near Antarctica, leaked information from a conservation conference in Australia has revealed.
Marine scientist Olaf Meynecke said most entanglements involved fishing traps on the ocean floor – ABC News 3 November 2024.
The Sea World marine rescue crew has recorded 42 whale entanglements off the coast of Qld and NSW this year. Dr Olaf Meynecke has found it can be hard for whales to navigate around fishing nets, even if they know they are there.
You hear about Nature Positive a lot these days – but do you know what it means? Here’s a good explanation. – The Conversation 25 October 2024.
BirdLife Australia is working with Australian authorities to support monitoring of Avian Influenza in Australia, contributing to the global collaborative monitoring effort. Read the latest update which tells you what to look out for and download your factsheet here.
The Federal government is making $95million available to help fight this deadly bird flu. The funding is for preparedness, surveillance and response.
Your rooftop solar will need to be switched off to make way for nuclear power. The only way to make nuclear power work in Australia is to switch off cheap renewable energy, stop exporting electricity from your rooftop solar system and forget feed-in tariffs. Nuclear lobby concedes rooftop solar will have to make way for reactors.
Renew Hunter Branch has recently acquired a Flir thermal imaging camera. This heat sensitive camera can show where your home or premises are excessively hot or cold, and help save you money on energy bills.
Renew would like to thank the Salamander Bay Recycling Centre for supporting this purchase with their generous donation. If you’d like a free demonstration either in your home, school or work premises, please contact hunterregionbranch@renew.org.au
Community Calendar
Tips for building community networks webinar this Wednesday 20 November at 12.00. How fostering relationships within your community can enhance resilience, making it easier to face challenges and navigate difficult times together.
The South Tomaree Community Association (STCA), which represents the postcode 2316 community invites you to join us for the Spring into Summer community picnic at Robinson Reserve and Birubi Beach (in front of Robinson Reserve) on Saturday 23rd November from 2pm-5pm.
Walk with Port Stephens Bushwalking Group. Explore Myall Lakes NP at Mugo Brush’s rainforest boardwalk to Tamboi on shady walks . Wed 27 Nov. While this year is almost finished, in January our 2025 program will be available, see our Walking program.
Contribute to a more resilient Tomaree National Park, casually or regularly, with Friends of Tomaree NP on coast and bushcare, over 6 activities monthly at 3 locations, and special activities at others. December dates include North Tomaree/Zenith area Tues 3 & Sat 14, Central Tomaree/Boat Harbour area Sat 7 & Mon 9, and South Tomaree/Fishermans Bay Sun 1 & Tues 17. See our calendar for more dates, locations and contact.
You’re invited to join us to help regenerate coastal forest at Tomaree’s One Mile Beach Headland. Saturday 7 December @ 8:00 – 10:30 am. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL by email.
Exhibition Orchids and Flora of the Tomaree Peninsula throughout November. Calling all art, orchid and wildflower lovers, an exhibition at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, highlighting the diversity and precious nature of our environment, taking a little from Art and a little from Science.
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