Sydney Water have just published some very interesting community feedback from their Cooks Riverbank Naturalisation project. The study entitled "Final Report: Community Consultation Outcomes on the Draft Concept Designs" is of particular interest to the Cooks River Urban Water Initiative as it includes survey responses to the Cup and Saucer Creek Wetland design that the initiative is funding.

This wetland is now seriously deep into detailed design with work expected to begin very early next year. Actually, you could almost say on-ground work has started as there has been a little bit of maintenance on site lately to ensure the sewer pipes in Haynes Reserve are robust enough to endure the wetland construction.

Anyway, on to the outcomes of the report!

A survey of the concept designs for three sites on the Cooks River foreshore were distributed to nearby residents by mail and were available on line. Advertisements were placed in the local media. 119 surveys were completed and returned. The feedback for the Cup and Saucer Site identified some very strong support for the project. 90% or respondents were in favour of building a wetland on the site to treat stormwater and 95% of respondents approved of planting indigenous trees and shrubs along the river. Whilst there are some concerns voiced in the report, the response to this and the other designs appears to be extremely positive with the locals. It is great to see the strong desire in the community for the restoration of the river.

A full copy of the report is available on the Sydney Water's Cooks River Naturalisation page.