Black Swan Lake’s last chance as residents seek intervention from governments

THE STATE and Federal governments are being asked to intervene to stop Black Swan Lake at Bundall being filled in.

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

THE State and Federal governments are being asked to intervene to stop Black Swan Lake at Bundall being filled in.

Resident Karen McCarthy wrote to State Development Minister Cameron Dick on Friday asking for the Government to conduct an investigation before works begin.

“We ask for your immediate assistance. The Gold Coast City Council is currently under investigation by the Crime and Corruption Committee (Commission), but we need help now, before it is too late,” she wrote. “The filing of the lake cannot be reversed once it is done.”

One of the birds which calls Black Swan Lake it’s home. Picture: Ric Allport

The Bulletin has sighted another letter to the Federal Environment Minister requesting that the works be referred under the Environ-ment Protection and Bio-diversity Conservation Act.

“The work described includes large areas of habitat disturbance, which provides the potential for a significant impact on local fauna population along with those of migratory birds,” the letter of complaint from Wildlife Queensland said.

“At least ten birds identified at the lake are listed under the EPBC Act 1999 in their marine species list, including migratory birds which could be under serious threat and be significantly impacted by the destruction of this lake.

“There is also the danger to grey-headed flying fox, a species listed as vulnerable which inhabit and/or uses the lake and its surrounds.”

Protestors have spotted a number of birds at the lake. Picture: Ric Allport

Both Ms McCarthy and Wildlife Queensland are waiting for a response from authorities but the Turf Club maintains it is moving forward after paying $150,000 for flora and fauna studies before getting the green light from council.

The Turf Club last week put fencing around what it calls the 2.7ha “borrow pit” as it plans to convert the area for horse training amenities, equine green space and an overflow car parking facility.

Wildlife Queensland Gold Coast spokesperson Sally Spain yesterday called on the Government to determine that the Turf Club plan was undertaking a material change of use which should allow for public comment.

Animal Justice Party state convener Ric Allport has released photographs of some of the 50 species of birds using the waterway.

“It is sad and disturbing that a number of councillors claim that Black Swan Lake is toxic, and wildlife cannot live there,” Mr Allport said.

The Gold Coast Turf Club is going ahead with filling in the lake despite protests. Picture: Ric Allport