Our newsletter is packed with EcoNetwork’s latest advocacy to protect and value nature, affiliate actions advocating for the environment, our website just one way we support affiliates, and a call for your membership to EcoNetwork to help us continue in our advocacy. Here’s a bumper issue of EcoUpdate to get through this time – so get a cuppa, or something stronger, put your feet up and see what Port Stephens has been up to lately!
World Environment Day … “a day to remember the power of collective action, to come together holding a vision for a world where nature is protected and revered; and a day to take solace in the fact that, though the challenges we face are daunting, we are not alone”, an opportune reminder from the Nature Conservation Council, to whom EcoNetwork is affiliated.
Climate impacts are an ongoing feature of our news. Did you know that the Hunter Region is the #10 top uninsurable area in Australia? We answer frequently asked questions on the proposed Hunter Offshore Wind Farm and provide scientifically based information to support informed decision-making. Plus there is so much more……
Thanks for listening!
Rebecca Smith
Acting Editor ecoupdate@econetworkps.org
Cats are a threat to Australian wildlife species
Feral cats collectively kill more than three billion animals per year across Australia. They have played a leading role in most of Australia’s 34 mammal extinctions since 1788. They are a significant reason why populations of at least 123 other threatened native species are declining. Read more about this issue and the submission that EcoNetwork made to the NSW Government requesting that local councils be given the power to implement cat containment here.
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 our answers to frequently asked questions here.
How much do we value nature?
Explore with us global economic directions, how our community and businesses value nature, Council’s strategic directions, and through case studies reflect on how Council values nature here.
Tomaree Coastal Walk is the focus of community attention.
Friends of Tomaree National Park partnered with Australian Climbing Association NSW and Escape EcoAdventures at One Mile / Morna Point headland, more here.
Meanwhile the Friend’s new group at Fingal Bay (south) is already making a difference, click the button to see more …
Have you seen the South Tomaree Community Association in the news of late?
A vibrant group, currently actively guarding against potential developments that may further risk flooding Anna Bay.
Now you can find out who they are and what they do!
As an EcoNetwork affiliate they have a ‘mini website’ hosted on our website, without the worry of maintenance and cost.
Updates to existing webpages
Fleet St development adjoining Stoney Ridge Reserve, amazing support locally, and potential breaches detected.
EcoNetwork is delighted to have Charity registration, with potential benefits to affiliates too
Membership renewals for the 2025/2026 financial year are now open. Annual membership fees provide the vital revenue enabling EcoNetwork to advocate for the environment and support our members. Some of the benefits of becoming a member include being kept informed and gaining assistance through shared knowledge and networks. Read more about the benefits here and use the online membership form to complete your application.
Submissions
EcoNetwork submitted on Council’s draft Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035, part of the integrated Planning and Reporting, required of Council’s following each newly elected Council.
Shoal Bay carpark ~ seeking a better balance for nature. While not open for submission, EcoNetwork corresponded with Council on a range of issues. Read here
EcoNetwork’s response, nature on the edge to the Salamander Bay Town Centre Place Plan.
Submissions from the Koala Koalition can be found here.
Eco-Extras
Climate impacts are an ongoing focus in our news.
Marine heatwaves are found to have engulfed an area of ocean five times the size of Australia. World Meteorological Organization report says record heat in 2024 was driven by climate crisis and intersected with extreme weather events. The Guardian.
Cyclone Alfred so far south explained. Could a tropical cyclone hit Sydney? What climate change science does — and doesn’t — say about future storms. ABC
Hunter Federal Electorate is #10 in Australia’s most uninsurable areas in 2025. Aussie homes are facing an insurance nightmare with Climate Council analysis showing where climate pollution, driven by the burning or coal, oil and gas, is supercharging more destructive extreme weather eventss, ranging from bushfires to floods and cyclones.
Community Calendar
Join in the Fingal Bushcare community event with the Friends of Tomaree National Park and you’ll be amazed as what a big difference just a couple of hours makes: Saturday 21 and Friday 27 June
Winter is wonderful walking! Walk with the National Parks Assoc in June, featuring a variety of walks, from more difficult walks at Berowra NP Tues 10 and Kuring-gai NP Wed 11, to an easier day walk at Paterson on the heritage and bushland circuit Wed 25, and half day morning walks, One Mile via Morna Point to whale watch lookout Sun 15, or Stoney Ridge Reserve Fri 20. Watch for our July program
Film: Power of Activism, The Planet, The Women, The Price, The Power, an emotional and revealing journey. Friday 20 June. Support this far-reaching documentary to screen, enjoy your visit, feel empowered, and if you’d like to carpool to Kotara email info@econetworkps.org
How to submit events to our Community Calendar
Did you know you can submit your own environmental or sustainability events to EcoUpdate?
Here’s how following our website menu – GET INVOLVED / Community Events Calendar / Promote your event ~ simple!, or save this direct link to Promote your event.
EcoNetwork Port Stephens
Our Vision: Ecologically sustainable communities existing in harmony with the natural environment.
Our Purpose: To support our members and to educate and advocate on environmental issues that impact Port Stephens communities.
www.econetworkps.org : secretary@econetworkps.org : Facebook