Hundreds of residents opposed City of Charles Sturt’s proposal to infill ‘well-loved’ Freshwater Lake

Faced with a staggering bill to clear duck poo out of one of its namesake lakes, West Lakes’ local council decided to ask residents about a drastic measure.

A raft of ducks may be displaced as a council considers filling in their West Lakes home after receiving a huge bill to clean up their poo.

City of Charles Sturt launched community consultation into the future of Freshwater Lake at Delfin Island last year.

The $900,000 price tag to de-sludge the lake of 50 years of duck poo – a $300,000 increase on an earlier estimate – plus $125,148 in annual maintenance was revealed at its latest council meeting.

An alternative proposal to remove the lake immediately drew outcry from hundreds of locals with 500 responding to a survey from MP Stephen Mullighan who said the response was “unanimous”.

“No one supported getting rid of the lake,” Mr Mullighan said.

Frequent lake user Tim Sylvester hoped there was a future for his much-loved urban “oasis”.

“The lake was part of the birth of West Lakes, it’s synonymous with the area and it’s really well-loved,” Mr Sylvester said.

“West Lakes is the suburb, plural. If they fill it in, do we change the name? Does it become ‘West Lake’.”

RSPCA SA has called on the council to consider an option “in harmony” with a host of wildlife who call the ecosystem home.

“Habitat for native animals like ducks is in serious decline so we hope that a way can be found to preserve this lake for the ongoing benefit not only of wildlife but also the community who enjoy being in this natural environment,” a spokesperson said.

Upset lake user Tim Sylvester sitting on his favourite chair at Freshwater Lake. Picture: Brinley Duggan

Council chief executive Paul Sutton said the review of the lake was triggered by “escalating maintenance costs” and complaints about the water quality.

The move comes after the area was listed in the council’s 2017-2030 council Biodiversity Action Plan as a “primary habitat association”.

“These habitat associations … form critical components of an overall healthy and connected functioning ecosystem,” the report said.

Freshwater Lake, which council has offered the option to fill in. Picture: Supplied

When Environment Minister David Speirs was asked if he would step to save the lake from being filled in, a spokesperson for Green Adelaide responded saying it would work council “as best (it) could”.

“Ornamental lakes … have a limited biodiversity value, and are usually just used by a small number of common species like ducks and carp,” they said.

“They also create a breeding ground for bacteria and algae as the water is trapped in a concrete bowl.”

Councillor Gerard Ferao, who’s question uncovered the $900,000 price tag was concerned by the options presented to the community.

“The council’s true intentions here are still a mystery to many and that concerns me deeply,” Cr Ferao said.