The Rudd Labor Government will provide federal funding to continue efforts to protect and conserve the Cooks River.

Local MPs Tony Burke and Anthony Albanese today announced that the Rudd Labor Government would provide $2 million to the Cooks River Alliance for stormwater filtration systems which reduce pollutants at seven priority sites.
“The project will be driven by the local community and the Alliance will also work to restore the Landing Lights Wetlands, whose health is connected to the health of the Cooks River,” Mr Albanese said.
“There will also be a big push to make households more aware of the impact of their day to day activities on the quality of water in the Cooks River.
“Rivers should be the most beautiful areas in our community where our families and children can enjoy clean water, parks and a diverse wildlife.”
Mr Burke said for too long we have treated our urban waterways like drains.
“The Cooks River runs through heavily urbanised and industrial areas and it’s an ongoing challenge to make sure the river and its foreshores are healthy so that they can continue to be enjoyed by the community,” Mr Burke said.
“The condition of the river has already improved considerably, due in large part to the efforts of the Alliance and the local community, however, it is still over-polluted and this funding will help us consolidate the progress made to date.
“We must act now to avoid the runoff of waste flowing out into our waterways and oceans, doing harm to our environment.
“But only a Federal Labor Government will invest in community driven efforts like this to protect our environment for future generations.”
The Cooks River Alliance was launched in September 2011 by eight councils in the Cooks River Catchment – Ashfield, Bankstown, Canterbury, City of Sydney, Hurstville, Marrickville, Strathfield and Rockdale.
Funding for these projects is included in the budget.