New rain garden protects river
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Work has started on an innovative rain garden at Hurlstone Park, on the banks of the Cooks River, to help keep the river clean by removing harmful pollutants from stormwater.
Mayor Khal Asfour said stormwater carries pollutants, such as oils, sediments, heavy metals and grease, which can harm the natural environment and aquatic life.
"Heavily urbanised areas can create a range of issues, including increased flooding, pollution from motor vehicles, litter and sewage," he said.
"These often find their way into waterways.
"By directing runoff through the new rain garden at Foord Avenue, Hurlstone Park, we can further protect the health of the Cooks River.
"On completion, stormwater will run into this rain garden and be filtered through specialised layers of soil, removing litter and other pollution."
The rain garden, which is being constructed using funding from the Stormwater Levy, will also:
Protect aquatic habitats for marine life and birds; Improve water quality by removing pollutants before entering the Cooks River; Maximise the visual amenity of the waterway; Control bank erosion; and Reduce urban heat island effect.City of Canterbury Bankstown, as part of its partnership with the Cooks River Alliance, protects more than 100 square kilometres of the Cooks River catchment, which is surrounded by in excess of 400,000 residents, and 100,000 commercial and industrial premises.