EcoNetwork is concerned about the lack of action on climate locally and nationally. Together with affiliate group Climate Action Port Stephens (CAPS) and Renew’s Hunter Region Branch, we support our Council’s commitment to going carbon neutral but more has to be actioned urgently. We try to engage with the community through forums, activism and social media to help make this everyone’s responsibility.
EcoNetwork submission – offshore wind consultation Inquiry August 2024
As ‘in-principle’ supporters of an offshore wind industry, we have major criticisms of the way the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and relevant Ministers have … Read more
Environmental Impact Assessment Process for wind farms
There is some pushback on the development of offshore wind farms. Their environmental impact assessments/statements will have to be demonstrably independent and transparent so they cannot be accused of being biased or influenced by the proponents and therefore unacceptable to sectors of the community, Read more
Global Warnings!
A call for alliances to act on climate and social justice. The first EcoNetwork community forum of the year was held last month. Around 80 people packed the Tomaree Community Hall to hear Dr Mark Diesendorf call on communities to form alliances to combat the power of vested interests over government and institutions. Read more
Become a beach scientist this summer and help monitor changing coastlines
When you arrive at your favourite beach these summer holidays, you may notice something different about the coast. Read more
How to beat ‘rollout rage’: the environment-versus-climate battle dividing regional Australia
In August, Victoria’s Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny made a decision that could set a difficult precedent for Australia’s effort to get to net-zero emissions by 2050. Read more
Hunter Offshore Wind Farms – questions and answers
Are we having a rational debate about offshore wind? Will wind farms impact marine life? Can we trust the assessment process? For these and other questions, read our FAQs page. Read more
Whales, krill climate change and the omega-3 addiction
Fishing pressure is growing rapidly with larger ships on order from China and Norway to meet the demand for Krill based product. The stocks are highly concentrated within specific areas and the current vessels can suck up 1000 tonnes of krill per day, taking 450,000 tonnes of Krill in 2020, a 15% increase on the previous year. Read more
EcoNetwork Port Stephens official statement on offshore wind proposal.
EcoNetwork shares many of the concerns that have been raised about the environmental and other impacts of offshore wind developments. However, we believe it is premature to engage in a … Read more
Don Quixote and the wind turbines
Concerns about the impact of wind farms offshore from Port Stephens are a worry – but they pale into insignificance when considering the alternative. Read more
Offshore floating wind farm proposal
President of EcoNetwork Iain Watt and committee members Nigel Waters and Nigel Dique attended a drop-in session by consultants Steve McCall and Hannah Coffey, acting for EDF Renewables Australia. This … Read more