Council to vote on lake

Two options on table

COUNCILLORS are being advised to vote to fill in Black Swan Lake because it has too much weed, will overheat and cause stormwater issues at great costs to ratepayers.

A report by council chief executive Dale Dickson reveals two options for the Bundall “borrow pit” – the Gold Coast Turf Club fills it in and contributes a one-off payment for a new environmental project, or council funds the works to establish a permanent water body.

The report will be debated and voted on at a full council meeting next Tuesday.

The turf club could pay $125,000 to “open the door” for a new lease on the land.

Many councillors are likely to question what sort of “signature environmental project” could be created for that amount.

A suggestion is a new wetland area.

The cost to retain a permanent water body is estimated to be between $600,000 and $1.45m. Much of that will be spent removing 1500 cubic metres of sediment.

If the sediment is clean, it can be treated onsite for $450,000. If contaminated, the sediment must be taken offsite at a cost of $1.3m.

Long-term water management and testing is estimated to cost about $40,000, with only 20 per cent of the lake remaining.

The report flags the following major concerns: overheating of the lake, which could damage aquatic species, weed management, algae outbreaks and stormwater quality issues.

“If a permanent, acceptable water body is to be established, substantial capital works would be required at a cost that the turf club has formally advised it is not prepared to, or does not have the funds to, expend,” the report says.

Councillors will be reminded that the city has 135 constructed lakes, 260km of navigable waterways, six declared fish habitat areas and internationally protected RAMSAR wetlands.

“The residual borrow pit is not one of these,” the report says.

“The report therefore proposes the Gold Coast Turf Club fill the balance area of the borrow pit in an environmentally controlled and responsible manner – and contribute financially, $125,000, to an acceptable, signature environmental project within the city.

“The club has provided verbal support for this proposed solution.”

However, there is “understandable concern” for what will happen with the existing fauna at the lake.

Approval of filling in the lake would require “appropriate measures” to protect the wildlife.

In late October, all councillors apart from mayor Tom Tate backed a recommendation by councillor Bob La Castra, supported by councillor Peter Young, to save the lake.

It is not known yet how the council recommendation may change or what the voting pattern will be when councillors meet again.