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Forest Lake Residents Get More Green Waste Recycling Bins After Fee Cut

Several Brisbane suburbs, including Forest Lake have seen an increase in orders for green waste recycling bins after the annual fee was slashed to under $1 per week.

Read: Forest Lake’s Man-Made Lake Contaminated With Microplastics, Global Study Finds

Forest Lake ordered 25 new bins, whilst The Gap and Bracken Ridge ordered 39 and 40 bins respectively.

In total, over 1,300 Brisbane households have adopted new green waste recycling bins since the fee was reduced from $93.68 to $45 annually on 1 July 2023. This is in addition to the 135,000 households that already utilise the bins.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook

The fee slash is part of the council’s $80 million cost of living relief package announced in the 2023/24 budget. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the move aims to encourage recycling whilst easing financial pressure on residents dealing with rising costs.

“Brisbane already has the cheapest residential rates in southeast Queensland and we’re committed to reducing the burden on households,” Cr Schrinner stated.

Collectively, over 36,600 tons of organic waste was diverted from landfills through the green bin program. Cr Schrinner expressed eagerness for more adoption as the city looks to expand food waste recycling initiatives.

What can you put in the green waste bin?

According to Brisbane City Council, acceptable items that can be placed in your green waste bin include:

grass clippings
small garden prunings from shrubs and trees
Palm fronds, twigs, small branches, leaves and loose bark
flowers and foilage
weeds, ivy, creepers and vines.

Homeowners can order a green bin online, by phone, or at a council customer centre using their rate number. The council says new bins can typically be delivered within three working days depending on demand.

Read: Calamvale District Park Named One of Brisbane’s Most Popular Parks

Published 9-August-2023

Locals Invited to Have Their Say on Airservices Australia’s New Noise Action Plan

Airservices Australia (ASA) has called for community feedback on a new Noise Action Plan that may divert more planes over Moreton Bay, through community engagement sessions being held across Brisbane this August including one at Forest Lake.

Read: Transport Department Launches Initiative To Improve Safety For Bus Drivers

This comes as noise complaints have surged since Brisbane Airport’s second runway opened in July 2020, despite lower traffic during pandemic lockdowns.

When Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) took over management of the airport in the 1990s, it aimed to have 90 percent of flights taking off and landing simultaneously on parallel runways. However, since the new runway opened three years ago, relatively few planes have taken the route over the bay, and noise complaints have increased dramatically.

New Noise Action Plan

One of Airservices Australia’s proposed flight path options is to make Simultaneous Opposite Direction Parallel Runway Operations (SODPROPS) the priority 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Currently SODPROPS is only used at night. This system allows planes to both arrive and depart over Moreton Bay whenever conditions like weather and traffic volume safely allow.

Another proposal aims to address noise impacts from night flights on communities north and northwest of the Brisbane Airport. It offers alternative flight paths to provide periodic relief from aircraft noise. This directly responds to recommendations from Trax International and community feedback saying aircraft noise should be shared across the city.

Airservices has attempted to route flight paths over less populated green spaces when possible, however some overflights of communities remain unavoidable.

Have Your Say

ASA is now hosting public drop-in sessions and online meetings, encouraging residents to ask questions and provide input on proposed flight path options. Sessions are being held at various locations across Brisbane, including the Forest Lake Community Hall, from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on 8 August 2023.

An ASA spokesperson said the proposals were based on previous feedback, including from the Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance (BFPCA), to allow the community to compare options.

Residents are urged to attend the sessions or provide feedback online to have their say on any changes that may impact their neighbourhoods.

Read: Forest Lake’s Man-Made Lake Contaminated With Microplastics, Global Study Finds

Those who would like to attend the drop-in session may register at Airservices Australia’s website.

Published 3-August-2023

Forest Lake’s Man-Made Lake Contaminated With Microplastics, Global Study Finds

The man-made lake at Forest Lake is among the most polluted lakes in the world when it comes to microplastic pollution, according to a new global study published this month.

Read: BCC Continues to Implement Long-term Solutions to Improve Water Quality in Forest Lake

The research, coordinated by the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON), tested microplastic levels in 38 lakes across six continents. Forest Lake was found to have concerningly high levels of microplastic contamination, though lower than the worst polluted lake tested, Lake Lugano on the border of Switzerland and Italy.

“Plastics and microplastics affect lakes and reservoirs on a global scale, including the most remote lakes”, said co-author Professor David Hamilton, Director of Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute.

“In addition to negatively impacting drinking water, plastics pollution has harmful effects on aquatic organisms and ecosystem function. Plastics don’t break down, they mostly break up into smaller and smaller particles, with increasing potential to be absorbed by living organisms, including humans.”
Prof Hamilton

The man-made lake was completed in 1994 and is heavily used by local populations. The high microplastic levels are likely driven by stormwater runoff from surrounding urban environments, according to Professor Hamilton.

Some of the most contaminated lakes are vital sources of drinking water for nearby communities, including Lake Maggiore in Italy, Lake Lugano on the border of Switzerland and Italy, Lake Tahoe in the United States, and Lough Neagh in the United Kingdom.

The findings highlight the need to urgently review pollution reduction strategies and waste management to tackle the microplastics crisis, experts believe.

Veronica Nava, a research fellow at the University of Milan-Bicocca’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Plastics that accumulate on the surface of aquatic systems can promote the release of methane and other greenhouse gases.

Read: Pallara Home’s Drain Pipe Blockage Reveals Interesting Find

“These results demonstrate the global scale of plastic pollution. No lake, not even those furthest from anthropogenic activity, can be considered truly pristine,” Ms Nava said.

Brisbane City Council previously implemented the Forest Lake Management Plan, but it’s stated in Council’s website that general maintenance and routine inspections continue at the lake. These include continuing the Ibis management plan, testing and analysis of the lake water quality, treating weeds around the lake, collecting litter, clearing silt trap, and monitoring and managing any changes to the lake environment.

Published 15-July-2023

Safety First: After Violent Incident in Forest Lake, Online Sellers Urged to Exercise Caution

Law enforcement authorities are urging sellers to protect their safety in the wake of a violent incident in Forest Lake after a Facebook Marketplace meetup.

Read: Violent Robbery in Forest Lake Leaves Dog Dead Over E-Scooter, Three Men Remanded in Custody

A group of armed individuals targeted a seller’s residence at Ballandean Court in an alleged burglary, prompting concerns about the safety of online transactions. The incident revolved around the sale of an e-scooter listed for $2,000, with the intended buyers attempting to pay using counterfeit currency.

The sellers detected the counterfeit bills, leading to a confrontation that took a tragic turn. As night fell, two men, accompanied by another accomplice and armed, returned to the property in Forest Lake. Demanding the e-scooter, they resorted to smashing the rear glass doors of the residence. In the midst of the chaos, the family’s beloved dog was fatally stabbed.

Incident in Forest Lake — Photo credit: Queensland Police

The brave residents engaged in a backyard struggle with the attackers, resulting in two stab wounds and minor injuries to a 20-year-old man. Still, they managed to injure the attackers, forcing them to flee the scene.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham emphasised the importance of vigilance and awareness when conducting online transactions. Sellers are being advised to prioritise their safety and take necessary precautions to protect themselves during in-person meet-ups.

Safety Tips When Selling Online

In light of the incident in Forest Lake, individuals engaged in online selling are encouraged to exercise caution and employ safety measures such as the following:

Don’t Use Your Home Address

Listing your personal home address as a business address exposes your family’s security to potential risks. Are you ready to face uninvited guests appearing at your doorstep? Is this a situation you truly wish to subject yourself and your family to?

The answer is likely a resounding “no,” especially considering the possibility of people showing up unannounced.

Meet in public

Opt for meeting in a public place during daylight hours and consider bringing a companion along. Decline any requests to meet at your home, in an unfamiliar location, or to go alone.

Avoid sharing personal information

Aside from house numbers, make sure your ad does not display personal information, such as images of your licence plate numbers or photos of your family members.

Read: Record-Breaking Car Thefts Unveil Disturbing Trends, Inala Amongst Hardest Hit Areas

When posting ads, be cautious and avoid including personal details as much as possible. Focus solely on the item being sold. If you want people to contact you, consider using a free disposable phone number for convenience.

Published 10-July-2023

Violent Robbery in Forest Lake Leaves Dog Dead Over E-Scooter, Three Men Remanded in Custody

Three men have been accused of a violent confrontation in Forest Lake, resulting in the death of a family’s dog over an e-scooter and intensifying concerns over the community’s safety. The identities of the alleged attackers were revealed as they appeared before the respective magistrates’ courts in connection with the harrowing incident.

Alex Edward Deng, 20, Aron Nsengiyumva, 21, and John Wal Wal, 24, face charges of two counts of wounding, one count of serious animal cruelty, an attempt to enter premises, and threatening violence. Additionally, Deng and Nsengiyumva have been charged with possessing counterfeit money.

The terrifying incident unfolded on the afternoon of 2 July 2023 when two of the men arrived at a property in Forest Lake, responding to an advertisement for an e-scooter posted on social media. Their attempted purchase turned violent when they allegedly tried to pay with counterfeit cash, leading to a confrontation with the sellers.

As evening fell, the two men returned to the Forest Lake property with another accomplice, armed with machetes, knives, and what appeared to be a black handgun (later identified as a gel-blaster).

Scaling the back fence, they demanded the e-scooter and resorted to smashing the rear glass doors of the residence, in a bid to coerce the occupants to come outside. Tragically, during their vile act, the attackers fatally stabbed the family’s dog.

The brave residents, faced with an escalating threat, armed themselves with shovels and engaged in a fierce struggle in the backyard of their Forest Lake home. Amidst the chaos, two residents, ages 30 and 33, suffered stab wounds, while a 20-year-old man sustained minor injuries.

In their courageous defense, the residents managed to inflict injuries on the attackers, forcing them to flee the scene.

Nsengiyumva and Deng appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court, their faces bearing visible signs of the violent encounter. Both men opted not to apply for bail and were subsequently remanded in custody. Nsengiyumva’s case was adjourned until July 24, along with Deng’s.

Wal Wal, the third accused, appeared in Richlands Magistrates Court, where his matter was adjourned until October. He remains in custody.

Published 6-July-2023

School Holiday Adventures in Forest Lake and Inala

Need ideas for school holiday activities in Forest Lake and Inala? Check out this list!

Kids Passport Adventure at The Lake Parklands

Date: Saturday, July 1, 2023
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: The Lake Parklands, 5 Alexandrina Circuit, Forest Lake

For just $6, families can embark on a thrilling adventure walk during the Kids Passport Adventure event. As a team, families will receive a Passport featuring a list of key features to discover, including breathtaking scenery and fascinating animals. The objective is to locate all the special locations and get them stamped on the passport. Siblings under 3 years of age can join in for free whilst seniors and children may also join in the Gold’n’Kids event.

Bookings are essential and can be made through the organiser, Bazil Grumble. For more information, please call 0411 246 487.

The meeting point is the deck over the lake on Forest Lake Boulevard.

Adventure Walk and Clay Play at D. J. Sherrington Park

Date: Saturday, July 1, 2023
Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Location: D. J. Sherrington Park, 601 Blunder Road, Inala

For young people aged 7-17 years, an adventure awaits at D. J. Sherrington Park. The Adventure Walk and Clay Play event offers an exciting guided walk followed by a hands-on clay play experience.

Participants will have the opportunity to collect natural materials like leaves and twigs during the walk to incorporate textures into their clay creations. Under expert guidance, they will learn to craft various vessels such as bowls or vases and decorate them using the collected items.

This chillout event promotes physical activity, wellness, and creativity. The cost to participate is $6, and bookings are essential through Bazil Grumble. To find out more information, interested individuals can contact 0411 246 487.

NAIDOC Week Storytime at Inala Library

Date: Saturday, July 8, 2023
Time: 10:30 am to 11:00 am
Location: Inala Library, Inala Civic Centre, Corsair Avenue, Inala

In celebration of NAIDOC Week, children aged 2-5 years are invited to join a special storytime event at Inala Library. Titled “Here is the Land and Here is the Sky,” this engaging session aims to foster an appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and stories. The event is free of charge, and no bookings are required.

Families can immerse their little ones in the rich heritage of Indigenous Australians through captivating storytelling. The Inala Library, located at the Inala Civic Centre on Corsair Avenue, will serve as the venue for this culturally enriching experience.

Published 25-June-2023

Record-Breaking Car Thefts Unveil Disturbing Trends, Inala Amongst Hardest Hit Areas

Photo Credit: PX Here

Did you know that car thefts are at a 10-year all-time high in QLD and Inala is among the hardest hit suburbs?

According to statistics obtained from the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the number of car thefts in the state has skyrocketed in the past year, reaching unprecedented levels. The figures reveal an alarming increase of 38 per cent compared to the previous year, leaving authorities and communities puzzled.

Among the areas significantly impacted by the car theft epidemic, Inala emerges as one of the top hotspots, with 394 unlawful use of motor vehicle offences between May 2022 and April 2023.

Local law enforcement officials are working tirelessly to address the issue, implementing additional measures to curb the rising trend. Authorities have increased patrols, implemented community awareness campaigns, and encouraged residents to adopt security measures to safeguard their vehicles.

The QPS has also made strides in mapping car thefts to identify patterns and target areas of concern. The data collected from these efforts will aid in developing effective strategies to tackle the issue head-on.

Residents who have experienced the brunt of these incidents are now demanding more robust action from law enforcement agencies to combat this growing problem. Local businesses have also felt the impact of the car thefts, with owners and employees fearing for their safety as criminals become increasingly brazen. The rise in vehicle-related crimes not only threatens the community’s security but also has a significant economic impact on the area.

As investigations into the car thefts continue, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to protect their vehicles. Basic steps such as locking car doors, parking in well-lit areas, and using security devices can go a long way in deterring potential thieves.

The QPS is working closely with local communities, conducting forums and workshops to educate residents on crime prevention strategies.

Published 14-June-2023

Urban Planning Triumph: Forest Lake Enters ‘Fast 50’ Ranking for 2024

Photo Credit: The original uploader was Enya2008 at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that Forest Lake has recently been included in the prestigious Smart Property Investment ‘Fast 50’ ranking of suburbs projected to undergo substantial capital growth in 2024?

The Smart Property Investment FAST 50 report is an exclusive selection of 50 suburbs nationwide projected to undergo substantial capital growth in the upcoming year. The list is based on extensive research and expert analysis of several key factors including population growth, coupled with Smart Property Investment’s comprehensive suburb data.

Highlighting data sourced from CoreLogic, the report noted that Forest Lake homes have an average property price is $680,000. That price is considerably less than Greater Brisbane’s $781,881, recorded in April 2023.

Forest Lake has also had a tremendous rise in property values, with a significant 21.4 per cent growth over the past year, despite the market’s difficulties brought on by increases in interest rates.

The neighbourhood also offers a promising prospect for savvy investors looking to profit from Brisbane’s rising popularity, particularly with the impending 2032 Olympics. Gross rental returns now stand at 3.9 per cent.

Forest Lake is situated about 24.59 kilometres from Brisbane’s busy central business district. The centrepiece of this exceptional suburb is a mesmerising 10.9-hectare artificial recreational lake that is encircled by a 2.7-kilometre stretch of parks and walkways.

The report praised how the suburb has transformed over the past three decades from a fledgling area into a thriving community that is seamlessly integrated with its natural environment.

Forest Lake has grown from its roots as one of Brisbane’s endeavours to enhance housing availability in the 1990s. As a masterplanned community, it holds the distinction of being the first contemporary community to introduce small lot products, which rapidly gained popularity.

Developed over multiple stages, the suburb now boasts well-designed neighbourhoods with charming names such as Brooklands, Banksia Village, Chain of Ponds, and Jubilee Crossing.

Forest Lake’s inclusion in the Fast 50 ranking underscores the importance of recognising the long-term potential of emerging suburbs, particularly those meticulously planned from their inception. This success story serves as a testament to the rewards reaped through meticulous urban planning and development.

Published 4-June-2023

Redefining Perception: Inala Makes It to Top 5 Affordable Property Locations With Prospects

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Inala, once a crime hotspot, defies expectations by becoming one of Australia’s top five property destinations due to its impressive transformation and appealing affordability, according to the latest research.

Despite its postcode’s history of over 3,600 criminal offences in the past year, Inala has emerged as an attractive option for property buyers and investors looking for affordable homes in Australia. Inala may have recorded an average of 10 offences daily, but it has transformed into one of the hottest property destinations.

Alongside Inala, the Hotspotting report also highlights Canning and Armadale in Perth, as well as Playford and Salisbury in Adelaide, as areas with immense strategic property buying and investing potential.

The surge in property values, largely influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic, has sparked interest among homeowners and investors alike. What was once overlooked due to crime rates is now attracting attention as affordable housing becomes increasingly sought after.

Terry Ryder, Director of Hotspotting, explains that buyers today are actively seeking affordable locations with high rental yields and the potential for capital growth. Contrary to the common belief that one must choose between these factors, Ryder contends that both can be achieved by making intelligent location choices. By targeting areas where property prices remain reasonable and rental yields are above average, investors can offset higher interest rates.

Inala, despite facing criticism from residents due to crime concerns, has witnessed impressive capital gains. The suburb has caught the attention of buyers as its median house price surged by a noteworthy 10.5 per cent to reach $552,500 in the past year, showcasing its increasing desirability.

According to Ryder, Inala properties offer not only affordability but also appealing three-bedroom cottages on spacious plots, presenting opportunities for a renovation that particularly attracts young families. He further notes that the rise in birth rates has contributed to the steady increase in property prices, with a temporary decline in 2018 prompting renters to transition into homeownership, particularly among first-time buyers.

In terms of rental demand, the vacancy rate in the 4077 postcodes, encompassing Durack, Inala, and Richlands, has remained consistently low for the past two decades, never exceeding 2.8 per cent and dipping below two per cent since mid-2020. Currently, the vacancy rate stands at a mere 0.4 per cent, exerting significant upward pressure on residential rents within the Inala precinct.

Hotspotting’s report adopts a comprehensive approach by considering various essential factors in determining the best property investment locations. These factors encompass rising sales activity, the potential for capital growth, the availability of affordable housing, robust infrastructure, and proximity to major employment hubs.

By thoroughly analysing these criteria, the report strives to provide an inclusive evaluation of the top five locations across Australia’s capital cities, assisting buyers in making informed decisions.

Published 2-June-2023

These Mater Parents from Forest Lake and Brighton Welcomed Their Newborns in Beautiful Swaddles For National Reconciliation Week

Proud parents Skye Davis and Daniel Moxon of Forest Lake and Bevan Hall and Maite Mary of Brighton were among the recipients of specially designed swaddles featuring symbolic Aboriginal artwork to newborn babies and their families, a project of Mater Hospitals across Queensland for National Reconciliation Week.

Amethyst and Luna, Skye and Daniel’s babies, arrived seven weeks early, weighing 2.06kg and 2.1kg respectively. The parents expressed their joy at the unique swaddles, describing them as a “celebration” of their newborn baby girls. Mr Moxon, a Torres Strait Islander, expressed his appreciation for the vibrant and meaningful designs that reflected his cultural heritage.

“Fatherhood so far has been unreal, and to be given a gift for both the girls that is so rich in history is really special,” he said.

Renowned Queensland artist and Wakka Wakka man, David Williams, was commissioned by Mater to create the swaddles artwork, titled “The Heart to Heal, the Strength to Grow.” This artistic representation serves as a testament to Mater’s commitment to reconciliation and highlights the healthcare organization’s history.

For the first time, hundreds of newborns born at Mater Hospitals across Queensland, received these special gifts. The soft cotton symbolic swaddles will be gifted to families to further strengthen Mater’s relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and continue to build respect for their culture, history and knowledge.

Meanwhile, Brighton parents Bevan Hall and Maite Mary welcomed their identical twin girls Emma and Sophia seven weeks early at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane and said the swaddles were a beautiful gift that would be cherished forever.

“The designs are really great,” Mr Hall said.

National Reconciliation Week — Twins Emma and Sophie Hall with ‘RAP wraps’ for Reconciliation Week at NICU Mater Mothers’ Hospital, Monday, May 29, 2023 – Picture: Richard Walker/RDW Photography

Mater’s Reconciliation Action Plan Program Manager, Jo Jones, emphasized the significance of the swaddles. She quoted community elders who hailed the gesture as Mater’s way of demonstrating reconciliation with First Nations people and bridging the gap for all nationalities.

Ms Jones further explained that the unique swaddles serve as a visual representation of Mater’s culturally safe environment, symbolizing their open door policy and commitment to inclusivity.

“The swaddle is another element of visual artwork sharing Mater’s history and expressing to the community that our door is open, everyone is welcome, and no one gets left behind,” she said.

Ms Jones said Mater’s spirit was strong and “continues to thrive as we embrace those who we must always care for.”

“Wrap your beloved babies, let them feel safe and secure,” she added.

Published 1-June-2023