‘Emotional’ Black Swan Lake protesters turn back on Mayor as operation to fill ‘borrow pit’ continues apace

‘Emotional’ Black Swan Lake protesters turn back on Mayor during council meeting as operation to fill ‘borrow pit’ nears completion

A PACKED gallery of protesting supporters of Black Swan Lake turned their back on Mayor Tom Tate during his last mayoral report at full council today.

More than 50 residents arrived before the 10am meeting after several earlier had visited the so-called “borrow pit” at the back of the Bundall equine centre.

Aerial photographs provided to The Bulletin today show much of the lake is filled in after the Gold Coast Turf Club gained approval from the council to create a grassed area.

An aerial photograph showing the most of Black Swan Lake has been filled in.

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At least five police were on standby at the Evandale Chambers as back up for security as residents made their way back from the lake.

Black Swan Lake Community Group leader Tammy Hogan led a chant where she “shamed” councillors who had voted for the lake to be filled in.

Wildlife Preservation Society Gold Coast president Sally Spain spoke out in favour of those councillors who supported the lake.

Black Swan Lake protesters turn their back on Mayor Tom Tate at a council meeting this morning.

Councillors Peter Young, Bob La Castra, Dawn Crichlow, Daphne McDonald and Glenn Tozer were supported by the crowd.

Mayor Tate, Deputy Mayor Donna Gates, councillors Hermann Vorster and Cameron Caldwell were singled out for speaking in favour of the lake being filled in.

Residents were also furious with area councillor Gary Baildon who originally put forward the notice of motion for the lake to be turned into a car park for the Gold Coast Show Society when it was based at the Turf Club.

Police at Evandale this morning during the Black swan Lake protest.

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Outside the chamber, Councillor Peter Young was the only councillor to address the protest group.

He said few options were available at this late point to save the lake but he urged residents to “never give up”.

“Things are definitely very emotional, very stressful. I just encourage you to perform, to behave in a respectful way as much as you can,” he said.

Ms Hogan and others applauded Cr Young for his stand.