Menu Close

What We Do

Founded in March 1993, EcoNetwork’s influence and effectiveness continues to grow thanks to the commitment and expertise of our member groups, businesses and individual members. 

Our vision:

Ecologically sustainable communities existing in harmony with the natural environment.

Our purpose:

To support our members and to advocate on environmental issues that impact Port Stephens communities.

Our strategy:

  • Advocate — Campaign for environmentally responsible decision-making
  • Educate – Share information to support environmental sustainability and cultural heritage
  • Support — Assist our members and affiliates in achieving their objectives
  • Manage — Conduct our organisation with integrity and transparency.

Our members:

We welcome local residents, community groups and businesses to join us and contribute to our vision for Port Stephens and beyond. See current list of affiliate groups and businesses.

Our constitution:

In accordance with our constitution, EcoNetwork Port Stephens conducts our organisation with integrity and transparency.

Objects:

The objects of the association (objects) are to advance the natural and cultural heritage of Port Stephens and surrounding areas, and in particular to:

  • conserve terrestrial and marine ecosystems
  • conserve cultural, including First Nations Peoples, heritage
  • promote ecologically sustainable communities and neighbourhoods
  • address climate change
  • undertake environmental education
  • advocate in connection with the above matters, for public benefit and not aligned with any political party or candidate for political office, and
  • act as a community network that supports and enables residents, community groups and businesses to develop positive local responses to environmental and natural and cultural heritage issues.

To access the full Constitution, click here

Our successes

EcoNetwork has proactive policies that help protect and conserve terrestrial and marine habitats.

Being proactive has led to many initiatives including:

  • expansion of Tomaree National Park from 896 hectares to 2274 hectares
  • conservation of diverse wildlife habitat, now Mambo & Wanda Wetlands Reserve
  • marine waterways protection with six vessel sewerage pump-out systems
  • early advocacy for a Port Stephens/Great Lakes Marine Park (2006)
  • Port Stephens Council Energy Smart Homes Program
  • representation on local council and state government consultation and advisory bodies
  • formation of the Shoal Bay Community Association and similar community groups.

Main policy directions

EcoNetwork has a number of key areas which we support.

These policy areas include:

  • conservation of terrestrial and marine ecosystems in national parks and marine sanctuaries
  • sustainable urban planning, retaining natural context, natural assets and sense of place
  • renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuels with a just transition to carbon reduction
  • environmentally responsible and socially useful investment for ecological sustainability.

Community focus

Through our numerous members and affiliates, our Network spans a wide cross-section of the Port Stephens community.

We have a strong focus on:

  • unifying members, affiliates, communities and their organisations who have shared ecological values, common interests and objectives.
  • elevating awareness within local communities about ecological values, sustainability and related social issues.
  • facilitating meetings and forums on sustainable urban planning and informing about developments that threaten nature conservation.

Reports

Recent reports summarising some of EcoNetwork’s activity: