If you’re reading EcoUpdate for the first time – Welcome! We hope you find something of interest in this edition. Many of our previous articles are still current, so take a look at the July 2024 edition – and right back to 2021.
Please share this newsletter with your friends, or they can sign up to receive it directly. Many thanks for your interest and support.
Ewa Meyer
Editor, ecoupdate@econetworkps.org
AGM Sunday 15 September 2pm
If you can arrive early, the gardens are hosting a ‘celebrating birds’ event starting at 8am including walks, slideshows, displays, an art exhibition and an auction of bird collectors items.
Wanda Wetlands Aboriginal Place
The protection of Wanda Wetlands has had community support since the 1990s when Port Stephens Council proposed a housing estate in the reserve. This was defeated by determined and informed community action led by Carol Ridgeway-Bissett and Darrell Dawson, who with others, had just formed a lobby group of environmentally-aware groups called EcoNetwork Port Stephens!
However, the matter of the Aboriginal Place classification for Mambo-Wanda Wetlands is still on the agenda of PS Council’s Environment Committee. Kathy Brown describes the issues, the history and how progress for its classification continues to be either extremely slow or non-existent.
Schools Tree Day
We’ve all heard of National Tree Day – but what about Schools Tree Day?
Schools Tree Day focuses on students and young people and the initiative provides an opportunity for kids to get their hands dirty weeding and planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses.
On Friday, July 26 this year, Landcare groups Mambo-Wanda Wetlands and Soldiers Point-Salamander Bay, joined 25 keen environmental enthusiasts from Tomaree High School in a joint weed-and-plant event.
Local Energy Hubs – what are they?
One of the main problems with the renewables rollout, especially in the Renewable Energy Zones, is that people do not have easy access to reliable and independent site-specific information in their area.
Recently, Re-Alliance joined forces with the Community Power Agency to put forward a proposal to the Australian Government for what many consider is the most significant and practical solution proposed: Outreach Centres called Local Energy Hubs!
Dr Saul Griffith launches Empowering Newcastle with a bang!
On July 25, international rockstar-engineer Dr Saul Griffith filled City Hall to launch Empowering Newcastle! Saul is a 2024 Australian of the Year nominee, best-selling author, and clean energy advocate. He captivated the enthusiastic crowd with his affable, knockabout persona and converted complex global issues into easy-to-digest fixes to empower ordinary citizens.
Sea to the Shore – albatross, petrels and more
This year, EcoNetwork’s bird forum focussed on ‘Shorebirds and Seabirds on and off the Port Stephens Coastline’. Over 70 people came together on Sunday 4 August for an afternoon of engaging presentations about the incredible diversity of birds in beautiful Port Stephens.
Our local community had a rare opportunity to hear from experts and researchers who outlined their latest bird monitoring and recovery programs. We all enjoyed learning about our beautiful birds and how to appreciate their fascinating lives, and their challenging fight for survival.
Offshore wind industry consultation process
EcoNetwork Port Stephens has submitted comments to the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications strongly criticising the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water in its handling of public consultation on proposals for offshore wind off the Hunter coast.
Multiple failures and oversights have allowed misinformation and confusion to spread, and for ‘bad faith actors’ to exploit genuine community concerns about marine life and other environmental impacts.
Always Was, Always Will Be
Despite the sad and damaging result of last year’s Voice to Parliament referendum, the good news is that the next crucial steps forward on the long road to recognition and fairness for our First Peoples are never far from our hearts and minds. Supporters and volunteers have been asking for guidance on how to continue to support First Nations recognition and justice.
Last week, Thomas Mayo, a leading proponent for the YES vote, held a book launch for his new publication and emphasised that there is no giving up: Always Was, Always Will Be.
Garden Centres contribute to weed problem
Local bushcare groups have welcomed the recent decision by all states and territories to support the Minister for Environment, Tanya Plibersek’s, national plan to tackle escaped garden plants and aquatic weeds.
Relying on garden centres to do the right thing has not worked, despite available listings of garden plants most prone to becoming weeds. It is frustrating and unfair for hardworking bushcare volunteers, who give up their time and energy removing weeds from parks and reserves, then to see these same plants, such as gazanias, on sale at the local Bunnings.
Close Encounters of the Bird Kind!
This regular column is about some of the interactions we have with wildlife in our backyards and neighbourhoods. Many encounters are pleasant – some less so.
This second instalment is about magpies – in particular, at this time of year when some individuals take to attacking certain people, such as posties on bikes! We discuss the why, what and who elements of this unusual behaviour.
Updates to existing webpages
A coalition of 15 local community groups are campaigning against further quarries in the Port Stephens and other LGAs. On our updated webpage, you’ll see dozens of submissions prepared by members, the document ‘Lower Hunter Hard Rock Quarry Strategic and Conservation Planning February 2024’, as well as our recent joint letter to local State member Kate Washington MP.
Regent Honeyeater Community Update – hot off the press! It’s been only five weeks since the release of more zoo-bred Regent Honeyeaters into the Tomalpin Woodlands – the third release in these woodlands on Wonnarua Country. Several flocks of ‘wild’ Regent Honeyeaters had been observed in the Lower Hunter in the lead-up to the recent release, including a few familiar faces.
Eco-Extras
Endangered White’s Seahorses released off Little Beach, Nelson Bay – Minister for Agriculture 6 September 2024
BirdLife Australia is working with Australian authorities to support monitoring of Avian Influenza in Australia, contributing to the global collaborative monitoring effort. Read the latest update and what you should do.
Lethal bird flu could decimate Oceania’s birds – The Conversation August 2024
Vote for your favourite Marsupial of the Year – here
Our cities are losing the small, colourful songbirds that give us the most joy – The Conversation 6 September 2024
There’s one industry that destroys more forests than any other and it’s on your dinner plate – ABC News 27 August 2024
How urban lights disrupt Australia’s unique wildlife and food webs at night – ABC News 9 August 2024
Why is NSW still logging the Great Koala National Park? – Watch this incredible video from the Australia Institute
Universities join bid to launch offshore wind in Australia with new research centre – Renew Economy 31 July 2024
If we want more solar and wind farms, we need to get locals on board by ensuring they all benefit too – The Conversation 15 August 2024.
Local Energy Hubs can help us through the change – Renew Economy 2 August 2024
NSW Plastics: The Way Forward – 15 minute feedback due 4 November 2024
Community Calendar
Throughout 2024 the National Parks Association (NPA), through its two local groups, the Friends of Tomaree National Park and the Port Stephens Walking group, is Celebrating 40 years of Tomaree National Park | 2024 with a range of activities.
Experience Tomaree’s bush at night. Explore the national park by night, the sounds and smells create a different experience and we may spot some night critters too. 13 & 14 Sept.
Walk with Port Stephens Bushwalking Group. Explore Box Beach to Boulder Bay and inland Tomaree circuit, Wed 18 Sept. For other walks nearby and regional, see our Walking program.
Historic Gardens and Climate Change – Where do we start? followed with EcoNetwork AGM Includes presentation from Francesca Beddie, Editor of the Australian Garden History, Hunter Region Botanic Gardens Heatherbrae. Sun 15 Sept.
Empowering Newcastle – Thursday 19 September 6:00-8:00pm. Learn about the range of community projects being delivered to empower the community to switch to renewable energy, electrify and reduce emissions to achieve a net zero Newcastle by 2040. Speakers include Helen Oakey, CEO of Renew, who will share how Aussie communities and everyday locals are tackling climate change through innovative projects. Free tickets – book here.
Contribute to a more resilient Tomaree National Park, casually or regularly, with Friends of Tomaree NP on coast and bushcare, over 6 activities monthly at 3 locations, and special activities at others. Some include North Tomaree/Zenith area Thurs 19 Sept, Central Tomaree/Boat Harbour area Sat 21 Sept, and South Tomaree/Fishermans Bay Sun 6 Oct. See our calendar for more dates and locations.
Living Smart Festival encourages people to learn about and embrace everyday sustainability practices via workshops, demonstrations and market stalls. Sat 21 Sep at Speers Point, Lake Macquarie from 9am – 3pm. Stop by the Energy Zone and meet Renew Hunter Branch members, our electric vehicles and our special model house featuring energy cost-saving measures!
Mop Dolly Author Seminar Hear Lorraine Lilley, Worimi Elder, speaking about living in a world where government bureaucracies controlled her Aboriginal family ~ a more triumphant than sad story. Readers Retreat Wed 2 Oct.
Birdlife Australia’s Aussie Bird Count It’s easy to take part, just 20 mins in your favourite outdoor space, register to access a built-in “bird finder” tool. 14-20 Oct.
Give a Sheet® textile recycling drop off day! 9am Saturday 19 October. Come along to Port Stephens Council’s first ever textile recycling drop off day, in collaboration with BlockTexx Textile Recovery Technologies. Bring your old bed sheets, towels, blankets and tablecloths, and divert them out of landfill and into a circular economy – it’s the perfect chance for a spring clean!
Picnic for Nature, Tomaree National Park ~ connecting beach, bush and your backyard Family friendly activities and workshops, and practical tips to bring wildlife into your backyard. Register your interest for prize draw. Hosts EcoNetwork, NPWS, Friends of Tomaree NP, Sun 20 Oct.
Meet the creatives – Little Horses To celebrate Readers Retreat’s 1st birthday and Love Your Bookshop Day we will welcome author Deborah Kelly, illustrator Jenni Goodman and local marine scientist Dr David Harasti. Sat 19 Oct
Fishermans headland guided post burn walks, Tomaree National Park, explore the recovery process in action. Sun 20 Oct.
NSW & ACT Twitchathon by Bignet – 26-27 October. For serious twitchers only – how many bird species can you find in 24 hrs? For armchair enthusiasts, please support this fundraising event for threatened birds. Don’t forget to support our local team – the Hunter Homebrewers!
Revitalise 2024 – Karuah 9.30am-3.30pm. Port Stephens is thrilled to host this wonderful inspiring event by Good for the Hood. Together with the Town Teams Movement, local environment groups like Renew, we will focus on how to revitalise your street, community, place, organisation or local environment. Featuring expert insights, hands-on learning opportunities and some compelling calls to action, Revitalise is the opportunity to meet with like-minded practitioners in the place-making and community sustainability space. Bookings open now.
FORUM Celebrating 40 years of Tomaree National Park Learn about and discuss the unique environmental, Aboriginal cultural, heritage and community values of the park. Guest speakers include NPWS and other Tomaree National Park community experts. Hosts NPWS, NPA, EcoNetwork, Sun 3 Nov.
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