Welcome to the EcoNetwork-Port Stephens Inc website, dedicated to the interest of all who treasure and want to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of our Port Stephens estuary and hinterland. We aim to excite and inform not only our affiliated organisations and individual members, but all those interested in a healthy environment. Port Stephens contains diverse habitats: native vegetation, beaches, rocky headlands, saltmarsh, mangroves and wetlands, and unique reefs. Our challenge is to protect these natural assets from the excesses often associated with developer, commercial and other human activities. Of course the Port Stephens economy and population will keep growing, but we contend sustainable growth must not be at the expense of our unique natural environment. See Looking ahead and re-thinking for a sustainable town. We’ll be vigilant about not just what happens here but also external influences, such as climate change, coal seam gas drilling in the catchment and offshore drilling for natural gas. Naturally we’ll be interested in feedback and over time look forward to publishing the views of our fraternity.
EcoNetwork is a Port Stephens based conservation, sustainability and natural heritage network. Our vision is for an eco-oriented culture for sustainable communities and the transfer of intact eco-systems to future generations. To that end we are committed to the conservation of terrestrial and marine environments and to opposing growth and development that is excessive: that threatens our vital life supporting natural systems and the integrity of our local environmental assets. Founded in March 1993, EcoNetwork-Port Stephens Inc. now comprises 19 community, environmental and eco-tourism groups and businesses including Port Stephens Tourism Limited, local and regional conservationists, and concerned individuals.
What we do
EcoNetwork has proactive policies that help protect and conserve terrestrial, marine and atmospheric environments. 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 (1999) 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 kindred community groups.
Main policy directions
Support for:
– renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuels with a just transition to carbon reduction.
– conservation of terrestrial and marine ecosystems in national parks and marine sanctuaries.
– sustainable urban planning, retaining natural context, natural assets and sense of place.
– socially useful, and environmentally responsible investment for ecological sustainability.
Community focus
Commitment to:
– 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 justice issues.
– conducting meetings and forums on developments that threaten nature conservation and sustainable urban planning.
– For growing investment in clean renewable energy providing new economic growth and new job opportunities
– The global energy and financial crisis provides an opportunity for investment in clean renewable energy sources as the alternative to the burning of polluting fossil fuels.
– Massive investment in renewable energy technologies would provide the sustainable base-load for a new economic direction generating scores of thousands of new job opportunities, retraining, economic stability and certainty for working Australians including the business sector.
For comprehensive new directions in renewable energy, new economic growth and job opportunities, go to websites or google:
– Beyond Zero Emissions.org/zero-carbon-Australia-2020.
– Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) – Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) – Green Gold Rush. Creating jobs- Cutting Pollution: The Roadmap for a Cleaner, Stronger Economy.
– A Just Transition to a Renewable Energy Economy in the Hunter Region-June 2008 http://el.newcastle.edu.au/coffee.