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 reducing carbon emissions 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.
Redbank powered on native veg!
The Redbank biomass-fired power station goes to appeal, following conservation groups WIN with the IPC’s rejection. Grave concerns that the proposal will accelerate habitat loss by creating an incentive to clear native vegetation that otherwise would never be cleared. Read more
NET ZERO for Council ~ could have been a win-win for all
Net Zero, TO BE or NOT TO BE? Do we have a roadmap without a destination, a goalless future December 2025 Econetwork Executive At its November 25 meeting, Council put … Read more
NSW State of the Environment Report “Truly Alarming”
Environment in Freefall: NSW State of the Environment Report “Truly Alarming” NSW State of the Environment Report 2024, was released on 26 July 2025, and the results were truly shocking. … Read more
Hunter Offshore Wind Farms – questions and answers
We urgently need to address the climate crisis before conditions and temperatures rise beyond acceptable living conditions and cause irreversible damage. This requires a rapid transition to renewable energy. EcoNetwork advocates for a precautionary approach to the offshore windfarm development due to insufficient reliable environmental information. Read more
Local Energy Hubs – way to go!
Many Australians believe the transition to renewables has yet to begin, yet we’re nearly halfway there with over 40% of our electricity being generated by renewable sources. But the rollout isn’t rolling smoothly – find out how it could be improved. Read more
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 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