Revealed: The plans which show how Black Swan Lake can be restored and wildlife saved
Black Swan Lake is to be preserved after a seven-year long community campaign with work to begin on a $1.5 million plan to restore the wetland area behind the Gold Coast Turf Club.
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BLACK Swan Lake is to be preserved after a seven-year long community campaign under a $1.5 million plan to restore the wetland area behind the Gold Coast Turf Club.
The Bulletin can reveal the Gold Coast Turf Club has secured operational works approval to “rejuvenate and rehabilitate” the remaining water body off Gold Market Drive at Bundall.
A council document shows the wetland project will cost $1.5 million, start this month and be completed by early 2022. It aims to improve the lake’s water quality.
A super majority of councillors almost 12 months ago voted to save the so-called “borrow pit” which was to be filled sparking a stormy community campaign where police arrested protesters as dump trucks arrived with fill at the site.
The council funding is across two years with the project to be managed by the Turf Club and Cardno Pty Ltd. All work will be undertaken by Alder Constructions.
“The constructed wetland aims to provide habitat for waterbird species that visit the area, improve water quality and reduce the incidence of algal blooms. The works will benefit the whole community and improve visual amenity,” the council report said.
The construction works include:
* clearing the existing filled pad to prepare for construction of dredge ponds.
* dredging of silt from the water body into the dredge ponds where it will be treated for acid sulphate soils.
* using the treated soil for top soil for an open grassing area.
* dredging of the water body for a maximum depth of 1.5m and revegetating the banks with native species.
“A Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service approved spotter catcher will be on site throughout the clearing works,” the report said.
The plans are welcomed by campaigners like Team Black Swan Lake leader Lindy Donato and Southport resident Judith de Boer who negotiated with the Turf Club.
Ms Donato said: “The Gold Coast Turf Club and council have taken on a mammoth task with saving Black Swan Lake. They didn’t have to do it, but they did.
“What an incredible and generous gift for all the people of the Gold Coast. It really demonstrates their good community spirit and their wish to protect the neighbouring environment for all the native birds and animals who live there.
“The volunteers and members at Team Black Swan Lake are thrilled and we sincerely thank everybody involved, particularly Brett Cook who has gone above and beyond to make this happen”.
A super majority of councillors in October last year backed the deal to ensure the remaining part of the lake stays after a marathon debate of more than two hours behind closed doors.
Only Mayor Tom Tate voted against the recommendation put forward by Councillor Bob La Castra and supported by hinterland-based Councillor Peter Young.
The deal was secured after Cr William Owen-Jones proposed a series of amendments which first supported both the Turf Club developing its equine precinct and Show Society gaining much-needed funding where it has an administrative base.
The community campaign at its peak saw Wildlife Queensland Gold Coast branch president Sally Spain regularly orchestrate protests outside the council, while Black Swan Lake spokesperson Tammy Hogan organised financial backers to launch potential legal action against Turf Club.
Originally published as Revealed: The plans which show how Black Swan Lake can be restored and wildlife saved
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