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EcoUpdate: November 2021

Many thanks to the EcoNetwork committee and all our members who have taken the time to contribute articles to EcoUpdate, our news and views from around Port Stephens. This is only the 4th edition and whether you love it or hate or never read it – we’d like to hear from you so we can do better in 2022.

Please answer our feedback survey – these 3 questions will take only 30 seconds!

WIN TICKETS TO THE MOVIES!

Send us your EcoUpdate feedback by 5pm Monday 29 November and you will go in the draw to win 2 tickets to the film ‘2040’ hosted by EcoNetwork on Thursday 2 December at Nelson Bay Cinema at 6pm. You’ll need to include your email address in the feedback survey if you want to win. For more details about the film, see below.

In the last EcoUpdate, we asked you to support a ban on rat poisons that are killing our wildlife. Thanks to everyone who followed the recommendations and as their campaign continues, Birdlife would like us to contact our local Bunnings store manager and ask them politely to consider removing these poisons from their shelves. More details below inc a direct phone link to your local store.

This is a quick but very significant action that every one of us can take. We want a sustainable future in Port Stephens where we can continue to enjoy our birds and all native animals in the knowledge they are safe. Please share this important message through your social media platforms.

I look forward to receiving your feedback on any of our stories.

Ewa Meyer
Editor, EcoUpdate
ecoupdate@econetworkps.org

If you missed previous editions of EcoUpdate, you can read them here. Please forward this one to your friends and don’t forget to sign up HERE.


Movie Night – 2040 – EcoNetwork Port Stephens

EcoNetwork Port Stephens invites you to a family movie night at Nelson Bay Cinema to showcase the inspiring documentary ‘2040’. This is just one of the lead-in events as part of our Sustainability Futures Festival in May 2022.  

Concerned for the planet his 4-year-old daughter would inherit, award-winning director Damon Gameau’s futuristic story is of hope and positivity, conveyed in a fun and accessible way.  

Tickets are available in advance only. Book now


Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, affiliated with EcoNetwork, recently reopened to the public and their new signage reflects the diversity of plants and animals across the areas of individual theme gardens, parkland and the conservation area.

Now is a great time to visit, choose a garden or two to focus on and enjoy brunch or lunch at the Kookaburra Café. Or you might prefer to come along on the nocturnal wildlife tour on 30 November.

Read more


COP26 – what happened?

COP26 was a two week series of discussions and conferences between global leaders to determine how to combat climate change by making commitments and coordinating global action.

Climate Action Port Stephens member, Andrea Barnett, gives us the lowdown.

We also look at some research including surveys which show Australians are more worried about climate change than covid-19. But are these issues that divergent? Let’s consider the connections between our climate crisis and covid — and nature.

Read more


EcoNetwork Members in Action: Living with and charging an EV

It is debatable if without Tesla, electric vehicles would have developed to the extent that they have. Developments in battery technology have helped greatly and are continuing, such development will continue to bring costs down and energy density up.

Every household’s vehicle needs are different and here you can read about Les and Anne Pinney’s experience of charging their battery electric vehicle (BEV).

Read more


Kings Hill DA referred to NSW Environment, Energy and Science

Earlier this month, the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel decided to refer the Kings Hill concept development application (DA) to the NSW Environment, Energy and Science Group for concurrence.

EcoNetwork Port Stephens have been keeping a watch on the Kings Hill development plans for a number of years and was one of five local groups to speak of the importance of the Kings Hill koala population and of concerns over the potential loss of koala habitat.

Read more


Ask Bunnings to ditch bird-killing poisons

Your action to ban bird killing rat and mice poisons is having an impact! Birdlife Australia are asking for your help again.

Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) poison birds of prey and other native wildlife that eat rats and mice. Last month we launched a petition calling on Bunnings, the retailer with the biggest range of these deadly products, to take them off their shelves. Over 23,000 people have signed up and we know Bunnings is feeling the pressure! 

How you can help


Port Stephens Council Election 2021 – EcoNetwork questions the candidates

EcoNetwork received responses from candidates with their views in 4 key environmental areas:

  • Climate advocacy
  • Koalas, tree management, habitat corridors and restoration
  • Marine and coastal risks and advocacy
  • Community engagement with PSC and balancing development and environment.

EcoNetwork thanks all candidates who took the time and care to share with our community their position on important aspects of the environment.

Read their responses here


A festival of inspiration, innovation & conversation

EcoNetwork’s inaugural Sustainable Futures Festival is being held next May at Tomaree High School. It will showcase environmental innovation, sustainable living and the different ways in which nature enriches our lives. 

We hope our entire community of Port Stephens and visitors from far and wide will take part in this special event.

Do you have products or services that you would like to sell or display in our marketplace? Or are you a school teacher with environmentally-conscious students who’d like to share their projects? Perhaps you run a forward-thinking business and would like to be one of the lucky sponsors?

Read on – and consider submitting an Expression of Interest to be in on the action.

Read more


Hawks Nest paradise under threat

Hawks Nest is a quiet seaside town on the NSW mid-coast with a population of just 1200 residents. In 2002, the town was declared an Aboriginal Site of Significance due to its rich cultural history and a gathering place for the Worimi people for over 4000 years.

This beautiful place is home to many threatened species such as migratory shorebirds, iconic koalas and grey-headed flying foxes. So, why is it threatened?

Read more


How Green is your Caffeen?

Green Caffeen is a FREE reusable swap and go system for eco-focussed cafés and coffee lovers across Australia.

In Port Stephens over 25 cafés have signed up and there are over 300 active users in Port Stephens.

Rebecca Jaensch, Waste Education Officer at Port Stephens Council, tells us how we can all get involved.

Read more


EcoNetwork Port Stephens 

Our Purpose: To support our members and to educate and advocate on environmental issues that impact Port Stephens communities.

Our Vision: Ecologically sustainable communities existing in harmony with the natural environment.

www.econetworkps.org : secretary@econetworkps.org : facebook

Published: 26 Nov 2021