Around 40 people protested outside city hall over council’s Black Swan Lake

FURY over the council’s handling of Black Swan Lake has sparked a protest outside city hall this afternoon as locals demand action.

ABOUT 40 people from community groups across the Gold Coast have staged a protest outside the council chambers.

The residents are attempting to get council to overturn its decision to allow the Gold Coast Turf Club to fill in Black Swan Lake.

Protectors against Black Swan Lake being filled in. Picture: Paul Weston

Wildlife Queensland Gold Coast leader Sally Spain said concerned residents were unable to get a voice inside city hall.

The residents packed the public gallery when the full council meeting started at 1pm.

Mayor Tom Tate worked quickly through the agenda for the first meeting of the year.

Rival Dawn Crichlow was applauded by some residents after questions about a select group of councillors allegedly meeting offsite to discuss economic policies.