Spotters could euthanise injured fauna under latest management plan for Black Swan Lake, Gold Coast

INJURED wildlife found at Black Swan Lake during the filling in of the ‘borrow pit’ could be shot, gassed or killed by a bolt to the head.

QUALIFIED spotters working under state environmental laws will be required to follow emergency euthanasia guidelines if any fauna is found injured during the filling in of Black Swan Lake.

The Bulletin has obtained an updated fauna management plan prepared by the Gold Coast Turf Club from consultants Cardno which includes a section on euthanasia aimed at reducing the impact on fauna and avoid harm to native species.

Black Swan Lake. Picture: Jerad Williams

Sources close to the work said putting down animals would be “a last resort” if they were found injured and the fauna management plan was similar to those used on other developments across the city.

STILL ABUNDENT BIRD LIFE AT LAKE

“There is zero intent to go in there and kill anything. That is why there is a (fully qualified) catcher on site,” a source said.

Euthanasia requirements include a “captive bolt” for larger turtles, carbon dioxide inhalation for birds or a gunshot. Amphibians would be given an overdose of anaesthetic, and eggs could be frozen.

The management regime initially included a boat-mounted electro-fisher, used to “stun fish prior to capture during the construction process”.

But a council spokesperson said the applicant had since indicated it was no longer intending to use the boat-mounted electro-fisher.

Photographs showing the abundant bird life at Black Swan Lake as it is about to be filled in. Picture: Ric Allport

A council officer, in an email to consultants, wrote: “The management regime outlines that a boat mounted electro-fisher is used to stun fish prior to the capture during the construction process.

PROBE INTO BLACK SWAN LAKE DECISION

“It has been noted that this method may not be utilised for the management of aquatic species due to the low water levels.

“Please outline the proposed methods that will be utilised, ensuring the chosen method provides an impenetrable barrier to ensure those areas subject to works will not impact or provide a hazard to areas where aquatic fauna may remain.”

Birds are breeding at Black Swan Lake. Photo by Richard Gosling

A council spokesperson late yesterday said the reference to the “boat-mounted electro-fisher” method was removed and would not be part of the approved fauna management plan.

“The management of fauna on site is undertaken by a State DES (formerly DEHP) approved spotter catcher in accordance with the approved fauna management plan,” the spokesperson said.

A spoonbill at Black Swan Lake. Picture: Ric Allport

The documents show the council requested that the filling of the “borrow pit” would be a staged approach in which water levels are lowered through evaporation.

The fauna plan provided to the council said: “Where vegetation is approved to be cleared, clearing on the site must be conducted under the supervision of an appropriately qualified spotter-catcher.

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“Any fauna recovered during vegetation clearance will, immediately upon capture, be inspected for any signs of physical injury. If the fauna appear to be injured, they will be immediately transported to a suitably qualified veterinary surgeon for appropriate treatment.”

Photograph showing the abundant bird life at Black Swan Lake as it is about to be filled in. Picture: Ric Allport

Before filling the lake, attempts would be made to capture larger fish, eels and turtles and to relocate them.

FIRST STEPS TO FILLING IN LAKE

“During the salvaging of aquatic fauna, all noxious and non-indigenous species are to be euthanised immediately. At least two consecutive nights of trapping are to occur prior to filling,” the report said.

Black Swan Lake. Picture: Jerad Williams

Consultants acknowledged euthanasia “may need to be carried out in the field” and “methods must be humane and produce a painless death as rapidly as possible”.

At least one week before the start of works, any bird nests within trees needed to be cleared and checked for breeding.

“Attempts should be first made to salvage eggs or chicks and have them taken to a dedicated carer for wild birds, such as Currumbin Wildlife Hspital or will need to be euthanised in accordance with Section 3.2.4,” the report said.

The council has required the turf club to show that the fauna plan has been endorsed by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection before its submission to council.