We check the condition of stormwater channels to decide when and where repairs are needed. We then either replace the concrete walls with new ones or look into making the channels more natural. We also explore adding wetlands or other natural features next to the channels to improve the quality of stormwater before it enters the channels.
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Upgrades on the Cooks River
Renewing a section of the Cooks River at Ford Park and Maria Reserve to create a liveable city and vibrant life for all its inhabitants.
About this project
We've teamed with Strathfield Council to improve the health of the Cooks River. We plan to renew parts of the river at Ford Park and Maria Reserve to make the area more liveable and vibrant.
We're looking into replacing concrete riverbanks with natural ones made of rocks and native plants, which would improve the visual amenity of Ford Park and Maria Reserve. However, our main goal is to improve stormwater quality before it enters the river. We may use water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) methods like rain gardens and wetlands.
The project is in the early planning stage, and we can't always naturalise channels as it depends on available space, land conditions and other constraints.
The timing and delivery of future stages is dependent on the availability of funding from Sydney Water and Council.
Benefits
Replacing the channel banks will stop them from failing and causing major erosion problems. Making the banks more natural will help the environment and provide a better habitat for native wildlife while also creating a pleasant space for the community to enjoy.
Impacts
Due to construction of the naturalised banks, some existing trees may need to be removed – but only where necessary. We will work with an arborist to help minimise impacts to important species and individual trees.
Project updates
20 June 2022
Community survey – closed
Thank you to the community members who participated in the survey for ideas and feedback on upgrades to the Cooks River at Ford Park and Maria Reserve.
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Photos and videos
Ford Park channel
FAQs
Naturalisation involves removing the channel's steep concrete banks and creating gently sloping banks that are stabilised with native plants and boulders or sandstone blocks. Since the stormwater channels were once natural waterways, they're important ecological links for plants and animals.
The work won't worsen flooding. Detailed flood modelling will ensure no negative impact. Improving flooding is beyond this project's scope and requires extensive testing. We collaborate with councils through the NSW Floodplain Risk Management Process.
If we can include a wetland, we'll plant dense, spiky native plants around it to keep people and dogs out. The wetland will be fenced until the plants grow fully. It will also have gently sloping banks to prevent accidental falls into the water.