Black Swan Lake: last stand by residents with protest outside council

Black Swan Lake protesters outside the Evandale Chambers today urged councillors to consider fresh and newer solutions to save the remaining section of the waterway.

BLACK Swan Lake protesters outside the Evandale Chambers today urged councillors to consider fresh and newer solutions to save the remaining section of the waterway.

The Bulletin today revealed emails between council CEO Dale Dickson and Mayor Tom Tate which included advice that the potential bill to ratepayer to keep the rest of the so-called borrow pit could be between $600,000 and $1.5 million.

Sally Spain from Wildlife Queensland leads a group of protesters trying to save Black Swan Lake outside Gold Coast City Council Chambers. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Mr Dickson told the Mayor: “Based on an internal assessment of the proposal, I do not consider that it should be accepted.”

Lake supporter Lindy Donato today wrote to councillors asking them to consider alternative and cheaper stormwater treatment systems used by other councils.

“There are many local residents who are prepared to attend to weed clearing and replanting of aquatic vegetation on a volunteer basis at no cost to council,” she said.

“With the correct plants growing on the surface of the water - lilies, duckweeds to filter direct sunlight, and submerged aquatic plants to purify and oxygenate - the water quality would practically maintain itself, particularly if only purified storm water was able to enter.”

If waste from the Magic Millions stables could be stopped, it would eliminate the need for ongoing maintenance, Ms Donato said.

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Workers move earth at Black Swan Lake at Bundall, which has almost been filled in. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Alternatively, if the entire waterbody is filled with dirt and only a swale is allowed to remain this will become heavily contaminated over time and will overflow directly into Clear Island Lake during storm season and heavy rain periods,” she said.

Wildlife Preservation Society Gold Coast president Sally Spain said community groups were demanding preservation of the remainder of the lake where multitudes of birds still shelter.

Ms Spain gathered outside the chambers with about a dozen supporters before the meeting began at 1pm.

Ms Spain suggested council should increase the licence cost from one dollar a year for the Turf Club so it could undertake maintenance and given the $50,000 provided a year given by ratepayers.

Black Swan Lake protest at Bundall when police had to intervene. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Council had over-estimated the cost of keeping this asset, when compared to costings in an earlier report in 2015, she said.

The council should give some “concession” for the community’s long struggle to guard their public property.