The ambiguity of land ownership continues to be a problem in the catchment management. This time, in the upper reaches in Strathfield. 

We recently met with representatives from Strathfield Golf Club, Councillor Benjamin Cai and Strathfield Council to discuss erosion issues in the upper Cooks River.

Channelisation in upper parts of the river coupled with increased heavy rainfall, have exacerbated the erosion of the banks in this area.

The club has begun to stabilise the banks in some sections, using sandstone and native vegetation. The problem is complex and larger than the club can manage.

Unfortunately, the upper reaches of the river are out of the tidal limit and are not included in the Coastal Management Program. 

Further attempts to identify funding in this part of the river have been unsuccessful, due to misunderstanding that Strathfield Golf Course is a private entity. This is a disappointing outcome given that it’s a community course.

What we do to improve the river upstream is an improvement downstream. Strathfield Council and the Cooks River Alliance will continue to work with Strathfield to identify funding sources. 

From left to right: Michael Mamo (Strathfield Council General Manager), Mayor Benjamin Cai, Matt Collier (Club Captain), Robert Poynting (President)