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.
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.
Our Network in Action
Celebrating 40 years of Tomaree National Park | 2024
Imagine our landscape without Tomaree National Park Scenically, our treed hills and coastlines bring us so much enjoyment and aesthetic pleasure, not to mention their drawcard for tourism, and the … Read more
Quarry applications continue unabated
Quarry applications continue unabated As outlined by the President of the Voice of Wallalong and Woodville (VoWW), Margarete Ritchie, at last month’s Community Forum at Tomaree Community Centre, many Port … Read more
Tomaree National Park is tidier after Clean Up Australia Day
Our wonderful beaches, dunes and diverse coastal landscape are fantastic features in Tomaree National Park. Over the Clean Up Australia weekend, 2 & 3 March 2024, community and Friends of … Read more
Maintaining Tree cover in Port Stephens
Maintaining Tree cover in Port Stephens By Nigel Waters, EcoNetwork Port Stephens. For most community environment groups, maintaining tree cover is a high priority issue. Whether it is from concern … Read more
Sister Cities to celebrate wetlands connection
The Councils of Port Stephens, Newcastle and Kushiro, Japan, will this year celebrate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Sister Wetlands Agreement. Read more
EcoUpdate Highlights
EcoUpdate: May 2024
In this May 2024 EcoUpdate, we bring you Global Warnings and our recent climate forum. We ask ‘How much is an old tree worth’, and how quarry applications continue unabated. We also recommend some practical workshops to keep you learning new stuff! Read more
What value is a century old tree?
A 3 year saga and at the end … a tree story of woe but a mandate for better processes? The setting is the Bridle Path, a much-loved and walked and cycled pathway … Read more
Cultural burning is better for Australian soils than prescribed burning, or no burning at all
Cultural burning is better for Australian soils than prescribed burning, or no burning at all Anthony Dosseto, University of Wollongong; Katharine Haynes, University of Wollongong; Leanne Brook, Indigenous Knowledge, and Victor … Read more
Celebrating National Eucalypt Day 2024
Starting in February each year, Eucalypt Australia3 begin a conversation about Australia’s treasured eucalypts. Gardens, groups, councils and businesses across the country hold events to celebrate their local eucalypts. Join an event or vote for your favourite gum tree. Read more
NSW Shark Management Program in Port Stephens
The Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park protects some of the state’s most spectacular and rich marine biodiversity, including shark species. Sharks are a natural part of healthy oceanic and estuarine environments. Read more
Sustainable Living
Sustainable Living Festival
Sustainable Living Festival Sat 18 May, Medowie Medowie Community Centre … 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
Sustainable House Day Program of Events 2024
Sustainable House Day provides the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most unique and inspiring homes, and learn from the people who designed them, built them, and live in them. Sign up for the May webinars. Read more
Some cautiously good news on emissions
It’s time we dabbled in some slightly positive news, especially when it comes to the climate. Though this is not to take away from the dire circumstances which we find ourselves in. This is all very hard to untangle, so here is Rob McCann with a snapshot of what’s happening emissions-wise. Read more
A Cruel Twist to Plastics and the Oceans
Marine scientist, seafarer and EcoNetwork president, Iain Watt, takes us sailing out on the big seas. And what he finds ain’t pretty. Read more