Media blackout on lake
– with the and the every day until February 18.
For more information go to enidblytoncollection.com.au. COUNCILLORS were discouraged by the Mayor’s office from responding speedily to questions asked by the Bulletin about the filling in of Black Swan Lake.
A Bulletin report on Tuesday revealed independent scientific testing showed the water quality of the Bundall lake had improved over time and while nutrients levels were high, the “borrow pit” was not toxic.
A waterways campaigner said filling in the lake would “set back conservation on the Gold Coast 20 years”.
The Bulletin later asked all councillors and the Mayor if they still agree with the lake being filled in. A majority of them have not responded.
A confidential email to all councillors signed off by Mayor Tom Tate noted the deadline of 4pm and added: “I want to inform you that I don’t march to the Bulletin’s timetable”.
Under existing communications policy at council, councillors can comment on any issue as long as they indicate their personal view.
The Bulletin did not receive a response yesterday after asking if the mayoral office was suggesting councillors should not respond and “if not, what is the intent of this email”. CR DAWN CRICHLOW it is
Only councillors Glenn Tozer, Dawn Crichlow, Bob La Castra, Peter Young and Daphne McDonald chose to respond.
Cr Tozer said he was reviewing the report after reading a series of articles on the lake.
“I’ve asked to review that report again since the council decision so I can reconcile it against the other information that has been discussed in the public domain. At this time I haven’t changed my position on prioritising equine-related recreational uses in the equine precinct.”
But veteran Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow revealed she had changed her position of support.
“As far as I’m concerned I will support half the lake to be filled,” she said.
“I had fully supported the lake to be filled to create parking for the Gold Coast Show which has existed for over 110 years but I am disappointed to hear it possibly will not be at the turf club any longer. Therefore I believe that only half the lake should be filled in.”
Cr La Castra, who spoke passionately for supporting the lake’s wildlife when council debated its future, replied: “My opposition to the filling in of this lake is well documented”.
Cr McDonald, in her reply, wrote: “I did vote against this and my vote still stands”.
Cr Peter Young said councillors were made aware of the independent testing before they had voted. “Each of these facts was argued to the council by me in November 2016. My position has not changed. The decision should never have been taken to grant control of this public land to the turf club.”
AS FAR AS I’M CONCERNED I WILL SUPPORT HALF THE LAKE TO BE FILLED