An eco-friendly welcome
Welcome to EcoNetwork Port Stephens, a not-for-profit and 100% volunteer-run organisation dedicated to the interest of all who treasure and want to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of our Port Stephens estuary, peninsulas and rural hinterland.
Featured Events
WALK: Swansea Channel to Galgabba Point
October 28 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pmMambo Wetlands Bush Discovery Tour for Children
October 31 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 amSpring Into Summer Community Picnic 2026
November 1 @ 10:00 am - 1:30 pmNetworking and AGM
November 1 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Port Stephens contains diverse landscapes including native forests, sand dunes, mangroves and wetlands as well as unique offshore reefs, islands and marine habitats. Our local community has the challenge to protect these natural assets from the ongoing pressures of unsustainable development, tourism and water-based activities.
EcoNetwork Port Stephens, in partnership with many local affiliated groups and businesses, is also closely involved with current statewide, national and global environmental emergencies such as habitat destruction, climate change and plastic pollution.
Join us and enjoy sharing your experiences, expanding your knowledge and contributing to the healthy and happy environment that is Port Stephens.
Join us for our Networking Session and AGM – Sunday 1st November
An informative and interactive gathering designed to bring our affiliated environmental community together. This session is a wonderful opportunity to hear concise, impactful updates from members and affiliates highlighting recent projects, successes and concerns.
Sweet pea, a beauty and a beast
A garden plant escaped to the bush, impacting biodiversity locally from Qld to WA.
It’s become a widespread and invasive weed, smothering native bush, particularly low coastal scrub, creating an almost monoculture.
H5 bird flu a major threat to wildlife
If you see sick or dead marine birds, domestic birds, marine mammals or other wildlife showing signs of bird flu, you should NOT touch them or get too close.
Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on ☎️1800 675 888
Help regenerate coastal forest at One Mile headland
Saturday morning 7 November with the Friends of Tomaree National Park.
Our areas of focus
Our Network in Action
Coastal forest regen at One Mile Headland, Tomaree Coast Walk
A community of fantastic people gather at various events to gradually manage invasive weeds on the Tomaree Coastal Walk at One Mile / Morna Point Headland Read more
Help us protect Mambo and Wanda Wetlands as an Aboriginal Place
Heritage NSW is receiving submissions on the viability of Mambo-Wanda Wetlands being declared an Aboriginal Place to recognise their cultural value to the original inhabitants of the land, the Worimi. Read more
Medowie Landcare
It’s Biodiversity Month and Medowie locals are looking to start a new landcare group to protect and enhance their local environment. Dee Murdoch who is seeking interested people said “This … Read more
Contradictory news for Mambo Wetlands
Port Stephens Council has made some concessions about building on the Mambo buffer zone. They have agreed NOT to build on the area west of Tomaree Library. We are still asking Council to stop development in ALL areas of remaining buffer zone around Mambo Wetlands. Council have agreed to investigate the reclassification of these areas so that the community is not continually fighting these battles to protect Mambo Wetlands. Read more
Swan Bay DA – a win for the environment
Swan Bay DA – a win for the environment and the Far Eastern Curlew In an important win for the environment, a proposed tourist accommodation park at 1107 Swan Bay … Read more
EcoUpdate Highlights
EcoUpdate: Networking session and AGM Sunday 1st November 2026
Join EcoNetwork Port Stephens for a Member and Affiliate Networking Session – an informative and interactive gathering designed to bring our affiliated environmental community together. Read more
Bogong moths: why they are here and how to help
If the Bogongs have found a safe space at your place like they have at mine, consider yourself lucky. It’s their stopover on a long haul flight. Read more
EcoUpdate: September 2026
September is biodiversity month and protecting our natural and cultural environment is this theme. Read more
Michael Smith – advocate, author, naturalist, founding EcoNetwork member
A glimpse into Michael Smith and read a little of his contribution and his Port Stephens publications. Read more
What do Shoal Bay, sea squirts and unsolved mysteries have in common?
Econetwork’s Marine Forum August 2026 examined the “Resilience of Port Stephens’ Coastal & Marine Life” to the effects of climate change in unexpected ways. Read more
Sustainable Living
Biodiversity Month
September is National Biodiversity Month This is a time to … Read more
Culturally-informed Cool Burn Program
A recently released NSW Cultural Fire Strategy commits to removing barriers that hampered cultural burning across NSW. Read more
High Court hears bid to overturn block on 22-year Mount Pleasant coal mine extension
Wendy Wales and Tony Lonergan are fighting the largest coal mine expansion in the state all the way to the High Court. Read the ABC article. Read more
Coal faces reality in the high court!
Breaking news! Coal and climate go to Australia’s highest court, as a local couple, in a David and Goliath battle, fight for climate and our future generations. Read more
Newcastle waterway listed among the state’s microplastic hot spots
Newcastle waterway listed among the state’s microplastic hot spots By … Read more