Swansong at Black Swan Lake as the original residents return for one last time

A popular swan which became the face of the struggle to save Black Swan Lake has returned to the Bundall site as construction stops on filling the so-called “borrow pit”.

MAX the resident swan at Black Swan Lake has returned as construction stops on filling the so-called Bundall “borrow pit”.

The Gold Coast Bulletin in June this year reported that Max had become a father in a romantic tale with a twist — he had left long-time love Myrtle and taken up with a new girlfriend called Jezebel.

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Swan and baby at Black Swan Lake

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Supporters recall Max having been around the lake for at least eight years but noise from the trucks dumping fill in recent weeks saw the swans take a vacation.

Their return this morning is probably linked to the wet which has stopped the trucks and bulldozers from working at the site.

“The original swans have returned to the lake today. These pictures were taken at 8am this morning,” a lake supporter told The Bulletin.

“Swans are extreme territorial and that is why they remain at the lake as it truly is their home.

“Clear Island Waters (which backs onto the lake) does not offer suitable habitat as its salty brackish water and has little to no perimeter vegetation for them to shelter and make nests in.”

GECKO has called on Gold Coast Turf Club president Brett Cook to “get in the spirit of Christmas and show goodwill to the community and the wildlife of Black Swan Lake” by retaining its last section.

Max the Black Swan on his return to Black Swan Lake on the Gold Coast.

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Gecko campaign co-ordinator Lois Levy told The Bulletin: “It is not too late for the Turf Club to stop the infill work and leave some lake available for the wildlife to live and enjoy.

“Mr Cook, may feel little good will towards some in the community who have used social media to berate him.

“However, Gecko is asking him to reconsider and recognise that the many thousand Gold Coasters who do not want the lake filled, are not abusive and just want the wildlife saved.

“It is the season of good will and Gecko can think of no better gift than to stop the infill of the Lake permanently.”

But Mr Cook after death threats and continuing abuse left on telephone messages at the Turf Club and posted on social media said the lake would be filled.

“I went to a board meeting on Friday. We’ve had a gutful,” he said.

“As far as we’re concerned we are sticking with our approvals. We are filling it.”

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A swan returns to Black Swan Lake on the Gold Coast during a break in construction.

The wet weather will almost certainly prevent the Turf Club from filling the lake before Christmas.

But Mr Cook revealed enough soil had been dumped to fill the “borrow pit” if bulldozers were able to spread it out.

The most likely scenario was work would resume after the Christmas-New Year break with the plan to turf the entire area as a back-up car park.