Turf club boss refuses to deal further with ‘hostile’ protesters Lake to be filled in three weeks

BLACK Swan Lake is expected to be filled in within three weeks in the final chapter of one of the Gold Coast’s biggest environmental battles.

The plan by the Gold Coast Turf Club is for the entire lake to be filled in for a “grassed area that the horses can exercise and the public will be welcome”.

Since bulldozers began arriving at the Bundall “borrow pit” last Tuesday, Black Swan Lake supporters have been staging a final stand to preserve the water catchment area.

Aboriginal elders have visited the site and media conferences with the RSPCA and environmental groups like GECKO have been staged.

Several councillors have been lobbied about supporting a motion on the floor of council to stop the works with some reaching out to the turf club.

The council approved a new development plan in April and the club wants to fast track the works before the wet season.

Turf club president Brett Cook yesterday said about seven spotter catchers had been employed and works would continue from 8am Monday to Friday after track work to ensure the safety of the horses at nearby stables.

“It is beneficial for the contractor filling the site to have it done quicker but it is not a concern for the GCTC,” Mr Cook said. “The contractors have indicated it will take approximately 10 to 14 working days to do the fill. The site is approved to be totally filled in and we are currently working to that approval.”

Aerial shots taken by the Bulletin show the progress of the work with at least onetenth of the lake filled in.

Mr Cook said the club had three options on reducing water levels, which included evaporation and absorption, using fill material or pumping the water out.

“All options will be considered and utilised if required,” he said.

Mr Cook was blunt in his response when asked about the deadline for negotiations having passed.

“We made it clear 18 months ago that we were willing to look at compromise,” he said.

“Unfortunately that opportunity wasn’t taken advantage of by the protesters of this project.

“They took it as a sign of weakness and actually raised their hostilities further including personal attacks on directors of the GCTC and club staff.

“You clearly can’t negotiate with people with that sort of mentality.”