Black Swan Lake: the Gold Coast waterway on borrowed time which refuses to dry up

Black Swan Lake, the Gold Coast’s most controversial waterway, was supposed to be dead and buried. But that was before the recent storms.

BLACK Swan Lake, just like the debate about the future of the Gold Coast’s most controversial waterway, refuses to dry up.

Lake supporters today began sending photographs of what council branded the Bundall “borrow pit” showing water had overflowed on the recent sand fill.

Before the recent downpour — Black Swan Lake at Bundall, which has almost been filled in. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

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Wildlife Preservation Society Gold Coast president Sally Spain told The Bulletin: “The recent rains have resurrected the lake that refuses to die. We totally support the Gold Coast City Council re-enabling a report on this matter. We want it kept to the 20 per cent that’s left.”

The Bulletin in a report last month revealed the last remaining section of Black Swan Lake could be saved.

Private talks had been staged between residents, councillors, council officers and Gold Coast Turf Club officials about the southwest section of the lake.

Black Swan Lake at Bundall on the Gold Coast following several storms.

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Council sources confirmed it was possible to keep the existing part, which is about 20 per cent of the original lake, intact for the bird life and stormwater run-off.

Gold Coast Turf Club president Brett Cook today admitted work had stopped while the report was being prepared for council.

The storms on Sunday had led to water covering the sand fill which covers the majority of the lake.

“Obviously it has been raining down. The water quality has been good,” Mr Cook said.

“It’s a matter for them (the council). Our position is unchanged. We haven’t top soiled it.

“We’ve deliberately stopped. If they decide we have to continue on we will top soil it.”

Black Swan Lake at Bundall on the Gold Coast after heavy rain.

After an ugly three-year battle, a handful of residents continue to hold placards and stage protests outside the council chambers.

If the last remaining section of the lake is protected, it will take run-off and stormwater from the stable area at the back of the Bundall equine precinct, and provide a sanctuary for the swans.

Artist impression of the future of Black Swan Lake at Bundall, sent to Turf Club members in a recent newsletter.

The final result will be similar to an artist’s impression drawn up by the turf club and sent to members which shows a grassed area where horses are walked and people can sit and feed birdlife, representing a win-win for all stakeholders.