On Thursday morning, locals walking near the lake came across the dead birds after work had been carried out in the area by City staff.
City chief executive Ian Cowie said work was carried out on Tuesday, April 29, to remove excess weed growth.
‘This was done mechanically with no chemicals used in the process,’ he said.
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READ NOW‘A contractor was used to remove a thick mass of weed and an observer was employed to ensure public safety and return any animals living in the weed mass to the water.’
The City’s parks and environment team were still investigating the matter and arrangements had been made to collect and safely dispose of the dead birds.
‘The City opts for environmentally sound and sustainable practices when treating problems such as excess weed growth in local waterways and lakes,’ Mr Cowie said.
‘In this case, the City also ensured someone was on-site to monitor and manage any frogs, turtles or other animals to reduce any disturbance.’
He said the removed weeds were left on the edge of the lake to ensure creatures not physically returned to the water could find their own way back.