Affiliate profile: North Arm Cove Community Association
The North Arm Cove Community Association has been operating since 1967 and was one of the first affiliates to join EcoNetwork in 1993. It has 120 members and encompasses the North Arm Cove Village on the northern side of Port Stephens.

The association’s mission is to “sustain and improve the North Arm Cove community, environment and neighbourhood.” They do this by consulting with the community to identify and communicate key issues; support the development of community resources; raise concerns with the MidCoast Council, governments and other bodies; encourage community participation in activities and local projects; and seek grants for improvements to infrastructure.
Some of the North Arm Cove Association’s recent achievements include:
- Development of the North Arm Cove and Carrington Local Community Plan in 2022
- Construction of Yallarwah Park exercise track and fitness stations with finance through a $90,600 grant from Stronger Country Communities fund1
- Upgrading the North Arm Cove website2
- Upgrades to the water and power supply to their community centre and potting shed facilities for their community garden through grants totalling $70,000
- Development of comprehensive reports on drainage and road improvements for MidCoast Council actions,
- Distribution of a resident’s information pack
The association liaises with other community groups in their local area and it is currently raising awareness about development and land clearing issues associated with the 3,500 lot paper subdivision that is adjacent to the village. This paper subdivision is over 100 years old, covers about 800 hectares, and it is currently zoned Rural Landscape RU2.

The area contains high quality native vegetation and regrowth, with high biodiversity values and populations of koalas and Glossy Black Cockatoos. The association is calling on the MidCoast Council and the State Government to protect this valuable land, and prevent unlawful development and land clearing. They are contributing to the MidCoast Council’s draft local environmental plan to rezone the proposed subdivision to an Environmental Living Zone and advocating to the State Government for a long term conservation plan for this land.



The Association is also working on the redevelopment of their Heros Beach reserve and establishing a public boat ramp and jetty. They use their website, word of mouth and regular meetings to attract new members into the group. They focus on local issues that are of specific concern and interest for their community to keep members engaged.
The president of the association said that the benefits of being a member of EcoNetwork include, “Being informed on what’s happening on environmental issues in the Port Stephens area, seeking advice and information on issues such as koala sightings, habitat, informing our community of environment-related functions.” EcoNetwork commends the association on their achievements, will endeavour to support their work on the north side of the Port and looks forward to strengthening collaboration in the future.
Useful links:
1 Outdoor Exercise Park granted in North Arm Cove – News of the Area July 2023
2 North Arm Cove Community website
North Arm Cove Community Association, Worimi Country – how to join
Glossy Black Cockatoo Threatened Species Profile – BirdLife Australia
Glossy Black Cockatoo Threatened Species Profile – NSW Bionet