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.
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
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
Boosting a threatened mint bush 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
Celebrating National Eucalypt Day 2024
Starting in February each year, Eucalypt Australia3 begin a conversation about Australia’s treasured eucalypts. Gardens, groups, councils and businesses across the country hold events to celebrate their local eucalypts. Join an event or vote for your favourite gum tree. Read more
A Cruel Twist to Plastics and the Oceans
Marine scientist, seafarer and EcoNetwork president, Iain Watt, takes us sailing out on the big seas. And what he finds ain’t pretty. Read more
We must assess ‘cumulative impacts’ to protect nature from death by a thousand cuts
‘Cumulative impacts’ arise when multiple actions or environmental conditions together cause greater overall impact than threats considered in isolation.
When it comes to regulating cumulative impacts, our national environmental law is lagging. Read more
How to beat ‘rollout rage’: the environment-versus-climate battle dividing regional Australia
In August, Victoria’s Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny said ‘while the transition to renewable energy generation is an important policy and legislative priority for Victoria’, so was ‘protection of declining biodiversity values’. Read more