SNEAKY STONEFISH EVADES CAPTURE

THE potentially deadly stonefish spotted in Evandale Lake proved elusive to Sea World divers yesterday.

The council now expects to reopen the lake for swimmers within the next day, despite the presence of the highly venomous creature.

As a part of Operation Stonefish four divers completed two sweeps of the lake, which is up to 7m deep, but were unable to spot the fish.

There was one false alarm about 10am but it was quickly determined the catch was not the fish they were looking for.

Gold Coast City Council co-ordinator of waterways Darren Ford said no other dangerous species were found.

Mr Ford said signs would be placed around the lake to warn swimmers about the fish.

The lake has been closed since Tuesday afternoon when the council confirmed footage taken by a member of the public was of a stonefish.