Council voted to save the contentious lake area in January, but negotiations over exactly who is responsible for the 20 per cent left intact continue.

Candidates Shaelee Welchman, Michael Pulford, Brooke Patterson, Josephine Tobias and Susie Gallagher will contest the seat after the retirement of long-time Councillor Dawn Crichlow.

Black Swan Lake has been a topic of debate since 2014, with council announcing its decision to fill it in to provide extra space for the nearby Gold Coast Turf Club in 2016.

Team Black Swan Lake president Lindy Donato said she wanted the new councillor to work with her organisation and the turf club.

“What we would like is a pledge from (the councillor) that council will maintain the water quality of the lake,” she said.

“And that council will relax some of the exorbitant costs being put on the turf club.

“In the past the turf club has been forced to submit development applications, soil testing, a lot of documentation that goes through council, and they’ve done that three times now.

“Now that council has voted to save it they haven’t given the turf club any way to save it.

“What the community would like to see is a good divisional councillor who can fight and help them to be able to save the water.”

Turf club chairman Brett Cook said the club appreciated Team Black Swan’s “concerns and support”.

“We have not requested compensation for work already done as this was not on our radar with our original approval,” he said.

“In line with the council vote the GCCC has requested a new application whereby our position could change dependant on the cost implications to deliver the end result.

“Often a fresh set of eyes can deliver new contributions, we are impressed that a majority of the new candidates have taken time out to meet with the club to understand our role in the community. With co-operation and collaboration we can finish the (Black Swan Lake) Borrow Pit project quickly and the area can be of use to all.”

Homelessness in Southport CBD may also prove a major issue for candidates to tackle, with charity Support the Girls founder and CEO Jane Holmes warning it won’t be an easy fix.

“From talking to the homeless people there they stay because of the (council) cameras. If there’s an event or an attack they can be seen,” she said.

“But, obviously, Southport unfortunately has become a negative place because there are so many homeless there. The problem is there’s nowhere for them to go.

“If we could have more housing or places for them to go (that could help).”

The Gold Coast election is on March 28.

THE CANDIDATES

Brooke Patterson

Who Am I? A Southport small business owner, Director of Financial Advisory for an Australian bank in Hong Kong, a board member of the largest offshore Australian Chamber of Commerce and past president of Benowa State School P & C.

A third generation local of the Division Six area, I live in Southport with husband Roger Patterson and our two children.

Why Am I Running? To ensure what we love about where we live is cherished, that the basics — our roads, drains and footpaths are in good working order, that our Southport CBD gets back on its feet as a safe and attractive place to live and work, that our Council is proper and ethical.

For the past 8 months Brooke has been out ‘connecting our community’ – listening to residents, leading the city plans forums, the safe CBD forums — being a fierce advocate for residents and the area. Brooke will be the Councillor who stands up for residents, and is their strong voice in Council.

Michael Pulford

Who Am I? I am the sole Director and Recruitment Specialist since August 2003 for Gold Coast-based company Trend Personnel.

I recruit professional staff for a number of well-known Gold Coast companies.

Prior to this I spent six years working for two large international recruitment firms and one year working in a large bank. I’m a BComm graduate from Rhodes University.

Why Am I Running? I am a volunteer in the community (Lifeguard at Southport SLSC) and a respected business owner with an unblemished 24 year professional track record.

I am a family man, married with 3 children.

I am very active and enjoy cycling and swimming, among other sports. I am a passionate and proactive person who gets things done.

I believe local government needs fewer politicians and better community representation, people without an agenda.

I have no political ties. In my opinion, the councillor position requires someone with energy, passion, business smarts and integrity, all of which I possess.

My focus is on providing better infrastructure to improve traffic flow, attracting big business and jobs to the Gold Coast, creating better public facilities for all of us to enjoy, revitalising our CBD while improving community safety and keeping rates as low as possible.

I would also like to see free public transport for pensioners and practical solutions for the homeless.

Josephine Tobias

Who Am I? I am the first woman President of the Gold Coast Show Society in 113 years and currently work in property management. I am the former president of GC Dance Teachers’ Association and founder of (training organisation) Women at Work and the International Women’s Day Leadership Awards.

My Computer Training Centre also provided training to hundreds of men, women and youth as the computer age became part of everyone’s lives.

I have a senior management background in international hotels, tourism, shore excursions and events. I came to Southport in 1993 and immediately became a proven leader in the community with my three children attending Southport schools and my father, mother and grandfather all moved into the division.

Why Am I Running? A totally independent candidate, I will get things done effectively and efficiently.

My leadership and communication skills will ensure I speak represent the Division 6 residents and their needs to achieve the best for Division 6.

I will use my vast experience in tourism to ensure we achieve growth in visitor numbers to the Gold Coast.

I am dedicated to ensuring there is green space for families and proud that Division 6 is the home of the iconic Broadwater Parklands and the Botanical Gardens, and I am concerned about the difficult social problems faced by a growing population I will work tirelessly to deliver positive outcomes.

I am dedicated to delivering growth for our Division.

I have walked in shoes of most residents so I have the empathy and experience to stand side-by-side with them to listen and act on their behalf.

Shaelee Welchman

Who Am I? The co-ordinator of the Gold Coast CBD, leading the CBD Office in Southport. I’ve helped deliver light rail, Gold Coast Chinatown, the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, Southport PDA and the Broadwater Parklands.

Why Am I Running? I am the endorsed successor of retiring Councillor Dawn Crichlow. I live in Southport with my husband and two children and grew up here.

I have 20 years’ experience in planning, business development, community engagement, project management and governance. I want to see all of Division Six flourish as a great place to live, learn, grow our families and enjoy our lifestyle.

I believe my experience, coupled with a business degree and knowledge of council, will ensure I deliver for my community from day one.

I’m committed to: creating safe clean streets, involving locals in making great parks, supporting sporting clubs, community groups and events and moving city hall to the CBD.

Susie Gallagher

Who Am I? The Chief Executive/Managing Director of a small NDIS registered disability service provider, Own 2 Feet Pty Ltd.

Why Am I Running? I want to act as a conduit between the people and the council by strengthening connections, solving problems and finding solutions for the locals with the locals.

I want to protect our green and open spaces, ensure division assets are operating profitably and not sold off, and encourage investment and growth in the area to improve facilities by providing incentives.

I will fight for changes to planning and building laws to ensure more sustainable and environmentally friendly development and create innovative groups of business and community leaders working together for the future of the community.

I want to implement more accountability and transparency in Council operations and represent the people who have no voice, the elderly, the infirmed, the disabled, the working poor and the homeless.