River Dreams

In the beginning, there was the river – before the beach, before the drain, before the dredging, before the dams, before numerous other actions to alter the stream.

River Dreams reveals the complex history of the Cooks River in southeasternSydney—a river renowned as Australia’s most altered and polluted. While nineteenth century developers called it ‘improvement’, the sugar mill, tanneries and factories that lined the banks of the Cooks River had drastic consequences for the health of the river. Local Aboriginal people became fringe dwellers, and over time the river became severely compromised, with many ecosystems damaged or destroyed. Later, a large section was turned into a concrete canal, and in the late 1940s the river was rerouted for the expansion of Sydney Airport.

While much of the river has been rehabilitated in recent decades by passionate local groups and through government initiatives, it continues to be a source of controversy with rapid apartment development placing new stresses on the region. River Dreams is a timely reminder of the need to tread cautiously in seeking to dominate, or ignore, our environment.

Sales Points:The first book to profile Cooks River from pre-European times to the present; its people, its development and its attempted rehabilitation.Well researched and written by an author with an impressive publishing history, and twice shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s History Award.The book has a strong narrative, telling the stories of residents and their relationship with the Cooks River.