Environment

Cromer Golf Club and the Environment

Introduction

Cromer Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course with boundaries that encompass the shores of Narrabeen Lagoon, Garigal National Park, the Sydney Academy of Sport, South Creek as well as private residences.

The primary function of this facility is to offer first class playing conditions to members and their guests in a manner that incorporates environmental responsibilities and accountabilities into every aspect of our operations.

The golf course occupies a site, much of which was formerly described as “sour, swampyland”. Since its inception in 1926, the golf club has been responsible for transforming the site into a wonderful bush land golf course. Thousands of trees have been planted over the years which provide habitats for many species of birds.

Many natural features of the area have been retained, including creek beds and water holes providing sanctuary to birds and animals. Other features have been introduced which add to the quality of those found naturally. Additional creek beds and riparian zones filter water flowing through the golf course resulting in much higher cleaner water flowing into Narrabeen Lagoon and South Creek.

Benefits to the Community and Environment.

Cromer Golf Club follows best environmental practices which result in the following benefits:

• provides a wildlife sanctuary
• preserves open space and remnant vegetation in urban areas
• protects topsoil from degradation
• protects water resources
• rehabilitates degraded landscapes
• promotes indigenous flora and fauna
• improves air quality
• improves the quality of water from urban run-off and storm water
• beautifies the environment

Trees at Cromer

Trees on the golf course can be divided into two groups; those indigenous to the area and those which have been cultivated.

Indigenous Trees include:

• Swamp Oak Casuarina glauca
• Swamp Mahogany Eucalyptus robusta
• Paperbark Melaleuca linariifolia
• Bangalays Eucalyptus Botryoides
• Sydney Peppermint Eucalyptus piperita
• Sydney Red Gum Angophera costata
• Cabbage tree palms Livistona australis
• Black She Oak Casuarina littoralis
• Forest Oak Casuarina torulosa

Cultivated trees have been planted by members over the years and include Australian Natives:

• Tallow Woods Eucalyptus microcorys
• Bangalay Eucalyptus botryoides
• Willow Gums Eucalyptus scoparia
• Narrow Leaved Eucalyptus radiate
• Peppermint
• Spotted Gum Eucalyptus maculate
• Scarlet Flowering Eucalyptus ficifolia
• Gum
• Bracelot Honey Melaleuca amillaris
• Myrtle
• Broadleaf Paper Melaleuca quinquinerva
• Bark
• Prickly Paper Bark Melaleuca stypheloides
• Brush Box Tristania conferia
• Water Gum Tristania laurina
• Smooth Barked Angophera costa
• Apple or Sydney Red Gum
• Pink Tipped Callistemon Saligues
• Bottlebrush
• Red Flowering Callistemon hybrid Bottlebrush
• Drooping Callistemon viminalis
• Red Bottlebrush Callistemon citirinus
• Port Jackson Callitrus rhomboidea
• Cypress Pine Swamp Oak Caruarina glance
• Silky Oak Grevillea robusta
• Cabbage Tree Palm Livistona Australia
• Hill Weeping Fig Ficus microcorpa
• White Honeysuckle Banksia integrifolia
• Flame Tree Broackychiton acerifolium
• Trees from other countries
• Kaffir Plum Harpephyllum Caffrum
• Liquid Amber Liquidamber styraciflua
• NZ Christmas Tree Metrosideros excels
• Cripsii Cripsii retnisipora
• Prunus or Plum Prunis bleirana
• Black Poplar Poplar nigra
• Magnolia Magnolia soulangia
• Hibiscus Hibiscus

Birds at Cromer Golf Club

Birds select a habitat which provides them with protection and food and the creation of the golf course has resulted in habitats to suit a wide variety of species. The lagoon, creeks, marsh, flat open land and the forest country each has its own bird community though at times they overlap.

A photo library of birds found at Cromer is constantly being complied and can be seen here.