We look at how biodiversity in Port Stephens is faring – is it thriving, or just surviving? Our terrestrial and marine habitats such as bushland reserves, beaches and reefs, need our help. Find out how you can get involved in citizen science and bush regeneration projects.

Quarry applications continue unabated
‘There has been a failure by government to engage in strategic planning in relation to quarry developments despite calls for this from the community. Unless of course the strategic plan is to simply transform our area into a super quarry for Sydney.’ Save Balickera inc. Read more

FORUM Celebrating Tomaree National Park’s 40th anniversary
We took a deep dive into Tomaree National Park to celebrate its 40th anniversary. We shared a Tomaree cake, we heard from Worimi Elders, community experts and NPWS staff. Their kaleidoscope of stories kept us stimulated, as did NPWS’s fantastic video on the Friends of Tomaree National Park. Read more

Polygala myrtifolia, a beauty and a beast!
Having escaped from gardens, polygaga has become a widespread and invasive weed, smothering native bush, particularly low coastal scrub. CSIRO recommends that the cultivation and sale of this species should be prohibited across Australia to prevent further spread. Read more

Local Landcare groups lend a hand for Schools Tree Day 2024
On Schools Tree Day this year, local Landcare groups Mambo-Wanda Wetlands and Soldiers Point-Salamander Bay joined Tomaree High School in a joint weed-and-plant event. Margaret Lamond gave a brief history of the site, referring to the plaque at nearby Johnny’s Well. Read more

Garden Centres contribute to weed problem
Port Stephens bushcare groups support the regulation of the garden industry to ensure they don’t sell seeds or potted plants of invasive varieties. Relying on Bunnings and others to do the right thing hasn’t worked, despite available listings of plants most prone to becoming weeds. Read more

Culturally-informed Cool Burn Program
The Firesticks Mentoring Program in the Hunter region culminated in the recognition of 22 new Cultural Fire Practitioners in 2023. The Port Stephens cool burn program is a partnership between the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, Hunter Local Land Services, Firesticks and Port Stephens Council. Read more

New energy projects – potential impacts on nature
In our effort to decarbonise our world to reduce climate impacts, a raft of new energy projects being rolled out create some concern as to how they may impact our natural environment and wildlife. This is what has been termed the Green vs Green dilemma. Read more

Early glimpses into the Worimi Conservation Lands Board
The Worimi Conservation Lands (WCL) and their operation have always been a bit of a mystery to me, even though I worked for a short time with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in Nels Read more

World Environment Day — helping boost a threatened species in Tomaree
Villous Mintbush, Prostanthera densa, is one of Tomaree’s most threatened plants. With dense aromatic leaves and mauve flowers, the mintbush is quite a sight. Read more

Cultural burning is better for Australian soils than prescribed burning, or no burning at all
Cultural burning is better for Australian soils than prescribed burning, or no burning at all Anthony Dosseto, University of Wollongong; Katharine Haynes, University of Wollongong; Leanne Brook, Indigenous Knowledge, and Victor … Read more