This walk follows the Bay to Bay walk and cycleway from Flemington Station to Canterbury Station. The Bay to Bay walk and Cycle track runs from Homebush Bay to Botany Bay, mostly following Cooks River to it’s mouth.

Cooks River rises near Rookwood Cemetery, in Strathfield Municipality. The first appreciable water is seen in wetlands adjacent to Freshwater Park, much work having been undertaken with wetlands reconstruction. Cooks River flows through natural river bed in this section with sandstone retaining walls built, protecting river banks from erosion. Wadding birds are established in this area, close to a Golf Course.

Crossing under Cave Street bridge, the scene changes dramatically when the river course flowing through wide concrete stormwater drains. Just below the bridge a pollution boom stands damaged in the river bed.

The stormwater drain is clean except for green growth, making a ribbon pattern in the centre channel. Near Palmer Avenue and Verona Street three large sewer pipes cross the canal and soon after two large stormwater pipes enter the watercourse. The green weed stops growing just past this point. To the right of the river is Centenary Drive, with large soundwalls and an industrial area, to the left the suburb of Strathfield. Adjacent to this point the first water borne PET bottle and aluminium can were observed.

The track crosses below Liverpool Road and ambles through parks, riverbanks maintained with tree planting, native grasses and mulching. A this point Dichondra also known as Kidney grass has been planted. It is named Kidney grass because of the shape of the leaves. Dichondra is an attractive groundcover used as a substitute for traditional lawn grass, forming a living mulch that inhibits weeds and reduces evaporation. It will grow readily in most climates and in fertile free draining soil. Thus the council has gained a low maintenance parkland covering.

The first major tributary enters from the right as a concrete stormwater canal. Cox’s Creek flows from an area adjacent to Enfield Marshalling Yards. At this point the stormwater canal base changes from a flat surface to a groove within which the water flows. The canal is quite wide and has signage noting a flood prone area.

Crossing under Punchbowl Road/Georges River Road Bridge, the track leaves Strathfield Council area and entering Burwood Council and on the right bank Canterbury City Council. A cycle trail has been established on Canterbury Council side as well as the Bay to Bay track on Burwood Council side. Near the Bridge a historic marker informs those interested, the name “Punchbowl” Road was established as the area was bowl shaped terrain, producing large amounts of fruit and food during early colonial times. A map shows the early grants and roads. Taking the track on Canterbury side, avoids trekking through suburbia as many properties are built to the riverbank on Burwood Council side. Canterbury Council does not use Kidney grass on their parks and must pay a large maintenance bill for lawn mowing.

Crossing back to Burwood at Second Ave Campsie, the head of tidal flow is reached. Another stormwater drain enters the river from Campsie and the only shopping trolley is notes in the river. Eight ducks swim happily by with leaves the only form of pollution. Crossing Burwood Road, some pollution is noted from PET bottles. Burwood Council seems to have a long grass policy in their parks.

West of Brighton Ave Bridge, mangroves have established to Canterbury Railway Bridge. A creek (stormwater drain) flows into the river at this point from Burwood. The drain had large amounts of leaves floating down stream.

From here to Canterbury Road, must be the unloved PET bottle graveyard. The riverbanks are piled with them, having been trapped by tidal flow amongst mangroves. This scene is copied on both river banks sides and a disgrace to modern civilization. Why anyone pays money, purchasing tap water in PET bottles is beyond imagination. PET bottles travel many kilometres through gutters, pipes and stormwater canals, gracing the river with their presence.

The Cooks River’s ugliest portion is behind Canterbury Racecourse, where mounds of PET bottles reside. Nearing journey’s end, the massive Canterbury three arched railway brick viaduct is reached. A good sized fish leaps from the river and splashed below surface again. This later area is within the City of Canterbury. Much work in undertaken keeping parks and gardens well kempt but little is achieved along River banks. Floating rubbish fowls the River, reducing visitors image of the area and polluting the River and later Botany Bay.

The walk took about 2½ hours and is possible to break into smaller sections. With the lower Cooks River section mentioned earlier, it covers some 8 kilometres, Bay to Bay.

 The following figures were given on a daily basis for beaches within the Botany Bay and Georges River for the week commencing Sunday 27/11/2011. The pollution is said to be caused by stormwater overflow from various land sources. A high percentage is from sewerage outflows.

* Rainfall data has been used to predict the likelihood of bacterial contamination at swimming sites in Botany Bay and lower Georges River. When pollution is likely, swimmers may be at increased risk of contracting illness and swimming at these sites should be avoided.

Statistics from “Beachwatch” website, NSW Department of Environment and Heritage

The following post is by the organisation mentioned below and ancourages us all to support a Bottle and Can Refund Scheme. Whatch the video below”
 
As environment ministers prepare to release another study into a bottle and can refund scheme and the beverage industry led by Coca Cola engages in greenwash with their ‘more bins’ project, environment groups today released a video exposing Coke’s sins, to mark the start of a ’hot summer of campaigning’.
 
“When ministers release the so-called ‘packaging regulatory impact statement’ in a couple of weeks, the battle for Australia to have a bottle and can refund or container deposit scheme (CDS) will really heat up.  Coke is leading the opposition and promoting a $20mpa scheme to have more bins, despite every study showing this would do little to reduce litter or substantially increase recycling.  It’s an inducement to ministers to fail on litter and recycling,” said Jeff Angel, National Convenor of the Alliance of 18 environment groups.
 
“The short video on Youtube exposes the record of Coke and its allies and calls on people not to believe the greenwash anymore”, said Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman of Clean Up Australia.  “With Coke mounting a renewed lobbying campaign and threatening legal action against the Northern Territory government for its CDS – we can’t stand by and let their bully boy tactics stall or stop much needed action. “
 
“With the recent release of an international study by PricewaterhouseCoopers showing the massive benefits from a CDS – recycling rates above 80%; better quality recyclate to make new bottles;  and excellent coexistence with kerbside recycling – we are more convinced than ever that a CDS is the way to go”, said Mr Angel.
 
“And so is the public (as every opinion poll has shown in the last 5 years).  Our campaign over summer will be aimed at exposing the environmental irresponsibility of Coke and its allies and mobilising people to put pressure on ministers and MPs.  Everyone is sick of the procrastination and endless time-wasting studies,” Mr Kiernan said.
 
Further information:  Jeff Angel  0418273773 OR 02 9211 5022; Ian Kiernan 0418232288
 
• Australian Conservation Foundation • Arid Lands Environment Centre • Clean Up Australia
• Conservation Council of South Australia • Conservation Council of Western Australia
• Environment Centre of the Northern Territory • Environment Tasmania • Environment Victoria
• Friends of the Earth • Greenpeace Australia Pacific • Local Government & Shires Association of NSW
             • NSW Nature Conservation Council • Queensland Conservation Council
• Tasmanian Conservation Trust • Total Environment Centre • Two Hands

Video Link: http://youtu.be/EqNWfbOMqd0

The following figures were given on a daily basis for beaches within the Botany Bay and Georges River for the week commencing Sunday 20/11/2011. The pollution is said to be caused by stormwater overflow from various land sources. A high percentage is from sewerage outflows.

 Beach                                                                        Safe                             Polluted

Congwong (La Perouse)                                         2                                  5

Frenchman’s Bay(La Perouse)                            2                                  5

Yarra Bay (La Perouse)                                          2                                  5

Foreshore (Botany)                                                  1                                  6

Kyeemagh                                                                     3                                 4

Brighton le Sands                                                       3                                  4

Ramsgate 1                                                                   3                                  4

Ramsgate  2                                                                  3                                  4

Dolls Point 1                                                                 3                                  4

Dolls Point 2                                                                3                                  4

Carss Park                                                                    2                                  5

 Oatley Bay                                                                  2                                  5

Como                                                                             2                                  5

Oatley Park                                                                 3                                  4

Silver Beach                                                               3                                  4

Statistics from “Beachwatch” website, NSW Department of Environment and Heritage

In a follow up article, Kate Carr presents the case for Sydney Water

Despair for Cooks River laden with filfth

17 Nov, 2011 07:00 AM

The following article is reprinted from the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, forthe information of members living beyond the paper’scirculation area. Thanks to Kate Carr for her excellent article.

Filth flowing freely in Cooks River

BY KATE CARR

27 Oct, 2011 04:00 AM

A REPORT on the Cooks River which found high levels of raw sewage and traces of pharmaceuticals in its waters came as no shock to those who live nearby.

The report, by researchers at the University of NSW, found waste water was constantly flowing into the river through broken and leaking sewers.

Peter Stevens from Wolli Creek Preservation Society said the tragedy was that it was well known the river was being polluted by the sewerage system.

‘‘The issues are known,’’ Mr Stevens said. ‘‘But it has just been a matter of the state government not getting to fixing it.’’

Mr Stevens said community groups had done their best to improve the river’s health but had been let down by the government.

‘‘The community has put in heaps and heaps of time improving the surrounds of the river and testing the water but there are some things the community can’t do, like fixing the sewerage system,’’ he said.

The Leader asked NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker whether the government planned to fix the sewerage system but did not receive a response before going to press.

A spokeswoman for Ms Parker pointed to a now defunct program rolled out by the previous Labor government, the Cooks River Sustainability Initiative, and $2 million granted in 2008 by the federal government under former PM Kevin Rudd, as examples of state government efforts to improve the river, but did not outline new funding or plans.

‘‘The NSW government recognises the important role of the Cooks River Alliance — a group that involves eight local councils — to continue the environmental management and preservation of the Cooks River,’’ the spokeswoman said.

South West Enviro Centre vice-president Gary Blaschke has lived near the river for 50 years and manages a wetland system upstream at Chullora.

He said $6 million in funding was needed to clean up the river.

‘‘Up until now there has just been tokenistic stuff done,’’ Mr Blaschke said.

‘‘[The river] has been used and abused by every government that’s been around and it’s been neglected by every government.’’

He said the river needed a series of offline wetlands to filter and purify water.

Full article: www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/environment/filth-flowing-freely-in-cooks-river/2337215.aspx

Editor: BBaCA is making contact with the University of New South Wales to clarify the report and seek further action from government.

Details gleaned from the Railway Historical Society (NSW Branch) Railway Digest, October 2011 edition, quoting The True Value of Rail states:

• One passenger train takes 525 cars off the road and in one year one train load of passengers is equal to removing more than three million vehicle kilometres of traffic from roads.
• One freight train in place of trucks between Melbourne and Brisbane reduces carbon emissions by the same amount as a household of three going without electricity for 46 years.
• One trainload of passengers travelling by rail instead of car for one year reduces accident costs by an amount that could fund 130 hospital visits, 505 hospital beds per day or six doctors for one year.
• In one year one passenger train reduces carbon emissions by the same amount as planting 600 hectares of trees. This would cover Sydney’s CBD, Hyde Park, The Domain, Botanical Gardens, Pyrmont and Central station or an area 8.5 times the size of Brisbane’s CBD.

In Other News

The NSW Legislative Council has commenced an Inquiry into rail infrastructure project costing. The Legislative Council is concerned at cost structures for major infrastructure projects which seem to be more expensive than those for similar projects interstate.

The Committee will be chaired by Natasha Maclaren-Jones M.L.C. Submissions closed 21 September and hearing will be held during November – December 2011.

The NSW Government has appointed Hutchison Port Holdings, to operate Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre. Sydney Ports Corporation estimates the new rail corridor arrangment between Port Botany and Enfield will help remove 300 truck movements from Port Botany each day.

A single line from Port Botany to Sydenham was recently criticised by Duncan Gay, Minister for Ports and Roads, as a sticking point for container transportation. The line has a level crossing at Mascot, flagged as a major safety issue for the line. Federal funding for duplication was used for signalling upgrades instead.

“Public Safety is the role of Government”, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, has stated. He has walked the streets of Stockton, discussing issues with local residents. Unfortunately he hasn’t motored a few kilometres south of his Parliament House Office to speak with residents of Hillsdale, Matraville, Botany, Banksmeadow and Pagewood, who have similar or greater concerns following 150 years of urban pollution. 

The Kooragang Island and Botany Orica accidents in recent weeks have brought into clear focus glaring omissions. The Premier and Minister for Heritage and Environment, Robyn Parker, are drafting legislative changes to bring public confidence back after it was shattered by emmissions from chemical plants in suburban Newcastle and Sydney.

What lessons have been learned?

1. Notification to the community was lacking!

While company executives knew of emissions, they were slow responding with meaningful information to people whose lives were effected.

2. State Legislation allowed lengthy delays in emergency information distribution.

NSW legislation allows reporting mechanisms with too much latitude for good public communication.

3. There seems limited Emergency Evacuation Procedures in place for Public Safety.

The steps for Emergency Evacuation and notification seem to be a secret held in public service, emergency service backrooms and Local Government Offices, which the general public are not privy to. “They might not be able to handle such information” seems the nanny state reply. Lazy government is no longer acceptable in the 21st Century. Modern technology can notify emergency situations, but what should the general public do before evacuation is in processed?

In Southern Sydney, Lucas Heights Nuclear Reactor has clear instructions to local residents. Distributed in clear brochures and prominently on their website.

For Botany there is limited distribution frig magnets but no easily accessible information. 

4. Real Planning requires buffer zones.

In the 1980s Orica Botany removed it’s old Chlorine Plant and established a state of the arts facility. During that time a State Government study was implemented requiring buffer zones and emergency plans for hazardous transport on-site and offsite. These buffers were clearly mapped and no buildings were allowed.

Over the past sixteen years, Planning Department density requirements hasseen this land subdivided and housing built. Were the subdivision titles caviated with safety warnings by the Planning Department or local Council? You would have thought this would be the moral thing to do, but no. People have bought new housing without public health warnings.

Emergency Plans for various Botany Industrial Park sites are in the hands of the companies producing the items in question. Mercury Vapor Monitoring equipment was established on the Botany Orica site after full consultation with the local community liaison committee as best practice. There were no such devises at Kooragang Island and limited community consultation before during and after the balloon wentup over omission releases. Once again Emergency Evacuation Plans are held in secret by public servants. “The people might become frightened if they knew we had one”. During a recent emergency in Botany, houses were evacuated and Botany Town Hall was set up for emergency overnight accommodation, but no-one knows the plan exists.

5. State Government Timely Advice and Information.

The state machine has slowed, with the Office of Heritage and Environment and Ministry of Health taking longer to respond to emergencies than necessary.

Following the Botany Mercury Vapor Emission, new haste was observed. Orica, NSW Health and Office of Heritage and Environment, emailed notifications to Botany Orica CLC members and people who registered with the company and a later letterbox drop on a limited basis was undertaken. This was a good first step in updating local community – But a lot more is required.

6. Public Health Tests

Those who have lived in Botany and surrounds for years have quiet concerns about potential illnesses generated by 150 years on pollution in this industrial suburb and Port Botany complex. There is no centralised health information available to the General Community.

7. Up Front Information Important

During the period of public concern, various statements have been made by politicians, news media and community representatives. It is important only verified information is published to the public. In recent news releases statements have been made that mercury was flowing into Penryn Estuary and Botany Bay. At a recent community meeting an explaination was requested and it was found this information was very old and mercury was not flowing into the Bay.

There is room for improvement and we must get our act right.

Robyn Parker, NSW Minister for the Environment, has announce an Environmental Audit into 42 companies engaged in Major Hazard Facilities. Other companies will be audited as a second stage within the process. The Audit follows shortcomings in the ORICA Kooragang Island Chemical accident recently.

The Audit will be carried out by the Environmental Protection arm of the Department of Environment and Heritage. Initial reporting will be complete by December with recommendations to the State Cabinet by February 2012. The Minister has forshadowed legislative change, tightening environmental protection licenses system.

Company plants to be audited include:

Orica – Matraville

Shell Refinery – Rose Hill

Caltex Refinery – Kurnell

Elgas Bulk Storage – Botany

Origin Bulk Storage – Botany

Toll North Waste Storage – Arndell Park

Incitec Pivot Chemical Plant - Kooragang Island 

BlueScope Steel Coke Plant - Port Kembla

Environmental Protection Licenses have been a controversial system allowing companies permission to release pollution into the environment as long as pollution is within acceptable limits. The minister sees the Audit as a first step in tightening legisaltion for toughter pollution controls, with more monitoring and and increased fines.

Compliance staff numbers have increased under the present government.

Local communities have called for fundimental change to communication channels from companies involved in such industries. The Kooragang Island issue brought under the spotlight, lack of emergency communication proceedures and lapsed general communications within the community with possible long term life threatening outcomes.

Media reports have brought allegations which must be investigated. In Botany, has mercury leaked from the Orica site, contaminating Botany Bay? Media sources need information from local sources and not reliance on over arching groups with second hand information. 

The NSW government would do the community a service by establishing the Environmental Protection arm within the Department of the Environment, as a well funded and staffed Independent Commission, without scope for political patronage or interference. This body should be charged with zero tolerance towards environmental pollution and granted  powers to warn, stop work and close offending companies. Individuals should be a party to similar sanctions. Previously lazy  laid back approaches are no longer acceptable. Such audits should be of an ongoing nature.

Read More by Ben Cubby for the Newcastle Herald: www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/orica-leak/spurs-nsw-audit/2287964.aspx?storypage=1

The New South Wales Government proposes privatising the Port Botany facility at an estimated financial gain of $A1.5 billion to $A2.5 billion. The Treasurer, Mr. Mike Baird, stated the money would be used on the Princes and Pacific Highways.

It might do the government good to relook at this project. Botany Bay and Catchment Alliance opposed Port Botany expansion and continues to believe closing Sydney as a working harbour was foolish and short sighted. As Captain Cook reported to his government in 1770, 1000 ships of the light could comfortably moor in it’s waters in safety. Botany Bay is one of the most foolish places to place a working harbour, landlocked, too shallow, transport problematic and humanly unfriendly.

The northern Botany Bay community have bourne the brunt of this foolish project, driven by ideaology.

Issues include:

• projections for container growth beyond the 3.2million TEU (20 feet equivalent unit) cap at Port Botany see – http://laperouse.info/?p=1037 Will the Government ensure that the approved cap of 3.2million TEU is part of lease terms?
• growing truck traffic on key arteries such as the M5, M4, ED as well as encroachment on residential suburbs and major public assets such as the Port Botany bus depot – see http://laperouse.info/?p=1786
• achievement of 40% rail target by 2015 – the current figure is below 20% noise pollution – see http://www.matraville.info/how-far-should-the-noise-of-a-beeper-alarm-travel  - and air pollution with special reference to particulate matter from container trucks and train engines maintenance and improvement of public assets: Molineux Point Reserve and Prince of Wales Scenic Drive; Foreshore Beach and Boat Ramp; Penrhyn Bird Santuary and Lookout; Pedestrian Access Bridge to Port Botany These assets were developed as compensation, in part, for the loss of local amenity.
• environmental impacts caused by Port Botany that need to be addressed: erosion on Foreshore Beach; erosion of Lady Robinson Beach; decline in Penrhyn Estuary as habitat for migratory birds; diminished amenity at Yarra Bay; poorer water. Foreshore Beach receives unacceptable EPA Beachwatch reports and additionally we don’t have a complete picture of the impacts the T3 development has had with regard to the distribution of toxic chemicals from local industry. As you may be aware there are monitoring points for the Orica groundwater plumes in Penrhyn Estuary. The Orica chemical spill was the largest in Australia’s history and is not expected to be cleaned up this century. The containment line on Foreshore Road needs to be maintained and monitoring in Penrhyn has to continue along with yet to be commissioned studies west of Penrhyn, off Forehore Beach.
• planning powers granted to Sydney Ports in 2009 under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 – these should be returned to Botany and Randwick Councils and Department of Planning. The following link provides a list of developments which have fallen under Part 5 to date: http://www.sydneyports.com.au/corporation/planning/part_5_applications
• management of Major Hazard Facilities located on T1, the DP World Terminal. MHFs located there account for 12% of the State’s total.

The O’Farrell government has a primary responsibility to tax payers in Botany and surrounding suburbs to ensure immediate action is taken to eleviate traffic congestion and associated pollution issues generated from Port Botany and Sydney Airport, which generate conditions which brought the last government down and ensured his government was elected with such a large majority.

It is of little use for the National Party to see massive road funds before their eyes, when the real solutions are rail solutions and generating more freight from ports outside the Sydney Basin. Mr Gay, the Minister for Ports, stated in recent months, Commonwealth funding for rail duplification for the Botany goods line had been transferred to signalling, while this essential project, which would removed thousands of container trucks per year from our clogged arterial roads, has not progressed.

To ensure residential acceptance of these changes, the state and Commonwealth governments must introduce national freight standards for freight companies, dictating minimum standards for container waggons and freight engines, similar to those for cars and road transport. For too long, residents have put up with antique locomotives belching deisel fumes and freight cars making resounding percussion noises in suburbia. Jacob brakes have been banned in suburban trucking transports and rigs are regularly checked for complience. On state rail networks many rejuvenated 1950s deisel locomotives continue their journeys, when they should have been pensioned off.  

There is a long way before privatisation for Port Botany will be accepted within Sydney Basin. Some wider issues include completion of Maldon – Dombarton rail connection between Port Kembla and the Southern line, building the Melbourne to Port Brisbane inland railway via Parkes and securing the inland terminal at Parkes for the East West Perth to Sydney line.

We need people of vision and ministers need to look further than dollars from privatisation.