Wildlife killed, dumped in trash at Black Swan Lake

CONCERNED residents say a dead bird has been dumped among the trash in a rubbish bin near Black Swan Lake and turtles have been crushed by cars as the lake is being filled in.

A DEAD bird has been dumped among the trash in a rubbish bin near Black Swan Lake sparking outrage from concerned residents.

Protesters say other photographs provided to the Gold Coast Bulletin show animals escaping the lake at Bundall as it is filled in and becomes a mud pile, but the location of its resident swans, Max and Mytle, remains a mystery.

Turtles escaping from the lake looking for safer freshwater are being crushed by passing traffic in the Gold Coast’s equine precinct, according to protesters posting to social media.

MOTHER DUCK HOMELESS AS LAKE FILLED IN

A dead bird left in a bin near Black Swan Lake.

Black Swan Lake Group leader Tammy Hogan said she had removed the dead bird and organised for it to be taken to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital to be examined.

“I turned up and this woman was so distraught. All of a sudden this person came out screaming and crying. She said there was a dead bird in a bin,” Ms Hogan said.

A turtle which has been crushed by a vehicle passing near Black Swan Lake.

“I had to pick up the bird and put it in my car. We have to find out how it died and why. We have had turtles crushed by cars in nearby Racecourse Drive.

“It’s affecting me. At three in the morning I can’t sleep. People are getting health problems out of this. We have an older lady who can’t come to the lake anymore.”

A council spokesman said: “Council officers are not aware of any complaints or correspondence on this particular matter at this time. Council officers will consider all written complaints and investigate accordingly”.

THE TRUTH ABOUT BLACK SWAN LAKE

A turtle trying to escape the fill at Black Swan Lake.

The wildlife deaths have led to heated arguments on Facebook with residents wanting the lake filled in clashing with those who want to protect it.

Some residents have called Black Swan Lake supporters a “load of … hippies” and described the lake as a “…. hole” and made threats about an injured bird called Hopalong George.

“Might go down and get a feed of black ducks next time I’m there,” posted one resident. He then added: “I’m gonna break hop along (sic) George’s other leg.”

The bird known as Hopalong George at Black Swan Lake.

Lake supporters fired up against the “trolls”, calling them “big tough guys threatening animals” who “should grow a brain”.

Ms Hogan told the Gold Coast Bulletin: “This is affecting the community now. I’ve been on the Coast 44 years. It’s not uniting the community. We have people who want it (the lake) and people who want it filled in.”

Police last Tuesday successfully used negotiators as residents gathered when the first trucks began dumping soil into the lake.

Black Swan Lake slowly being filled in by workmen at Bundall. Picture Glenn Hampson

Residents have been campaigning since March 2015 when the turf club first approached the council to fill in what was ratepayer property for an overflow car park and horse training facilities.