Volunteers believe lake ‘in the black’

BLACK Swan Lake is back from the dead and attracting bird life returning for spring, according to volunteers cleaning up the water body behind the Bundall equine precinct.

The Team Black Swan Lake volunteers have made a last-minute plea to city councillors to save the “borrow pit” at full council on Tuesday.

Team Black Swan Lake leader Lindy Donato has circulated photographs showing volunteers clearing choking vines from trees, mowing lawns and improving old rock pathways.

“The council trees that we pruned last year have come into full bloom this year and look magnificent,” Ms Donato said.

“A boundary has been hand built by volunteers to keep grass out of the native garden beds. The water quality has remained good for the past three years and is maintaining itself well.

“The surrounds are full of nests and by summer the area will be teeming with youngsters.”

Environmentalists are threatening tougher action and prepared to relaunch their protest campaign if councillors back an officer’s recommendation that the turf club fills in the remaining 20 per cent of the lake.

A council report revealed there are two options for the future of Black Swan Lake – the turf club fills in the balance of the “borrow pit” and contribute a one-off payment for a new environmental project, or council funds the works to establish a permanent water body.

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