The Gold Coast Council has voted to save Black Swan Lake after community groups have campaigned for the last five years.
A majority of councilors voted to preserve the remaining 20 percent of the lake, with only Mayor, Tom Tate voting against the decision.
Jess Abrahams, from the Australian Conservation Foundation, says the decision shows hope for other small communities around the country.
“When communities do band together and fight for their local patch they do win,” Ms Abrahams said.