Baildon: Lake is ‘toxic’ for wildlife

WILDLIFE is dying at Black Swan Lake while campaigners fight to halt the filling of the waterhole, according to Surfers Paradise councillor Gary Baildon.

Cr Baildon said a 2014 report by Wildlife Relocation Management Services showed the water was toxic and dead birds had been found around the lake.

Wildlife campaigners have rejected claims the lake is toxic and are calling for more evidence.

The Gold Coast City Council last November voted to have the lake filled but since then protesters have been vocal about saving it.

“While this is occurring birds and animals are dying over in that waterhole and it needs to happen as quickly as possible,” Cr Baildon said.

The report found that black swans were breeding but there were concerns about what would happen to the cygnets when they hatched and began to drink toxic water.

Cr Baildon said recent council tests had found the water to be high in phosphorous and nitrogen.

“We need to take the action to clean this up as quickly as possible,” he said. “If I had my way none of this would have happened – it would have been filled in years ago.”

The release of the report comes after the State Government urged the council to change their mind about filling the lake. “I think (the State Government) should come and do their own tests and that will convince them it needs to be filled as quickly as possible,” Cr Baildon said.

Wildlife Queensland Gold Coast and Hinterland president Sally Spain said there was no proof the water was toxic.

“That is an extraordinary claim,” she said.

“These claims aren’t what you were expect from a councillor of his experience.”

The State Government has admitted it is powerless to stop the filling of the lake after the Species Management Program was found to comply with all guidelines.