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Richlands Application Includes Townhouses, Pool, and Gym

A new townhouse development has been proposed for Richlands, with plans for a medium-density residential project featuring a mix of two and three-storey homes.

Read: Dutch Club Brisbane Plans New Chapter with Richlands Land Subdivision

The development application proposes three-bedroom townhouses alongside communal recreational facilities, open space and landscaping.

Townhouses planned for Richlands

The proposal comprises 49 townhouses, with 33 designed as two-storey homes and another 16 extending to three storeys. The two-storey townhouses would be positioned along the Government Road frontage, while the three-storey dwellings are proposed towards the interior of the site.

Each townhouse would have three bedrooms and a double lock-up garage. The proposed development would have a maximum height of three storeys, or 13.2 metres. The application covers a site measuring 9,726 square metres. Plans provide for 111 car parking spaces, including 98 residential spaces and 13 for visitors.

The proposal also includes communal open space and landscaping across the site. The site is identified as Medium Density Residential and sits within the Richlands Central Precinct of the Richlands-Wacol Corridor Neighbourhood Plan.

The development application was lodged in August 2026 with Brisbane City under reference A007091994.

Shared facilities at the centre

A central communal area would provide shared facilities for residents, including a swimming pool, gym and outdoor recreation areas. Planning material submitted with the application describes the project as medium-density residential development, with the proposed housing form and typology described as consistent with the needs and market of the local area.

The application material also states that the development would consolidate and intensify the use of the site while making use of existing infrastructure. Its planning rationale points to the site’s location within a walkable catchment of local shops and nearby non-residential services. The proposal has been designed by Mayhill Planning and Architecture.

Read: Richlands Tesla Superfan Clocks 417,000km in Rideshare Work

Planning documents described the immediate and surrounding residential environment as including established detached dwellings alongside more recent medium-density development, including townhouse and unit complexes. If approved, the proposal would add a mix of three-bedroom townhouses to the residential mix in Richlands.

Published 15-September-2026

Access to Skepper Street in Ellen Grove Could Close Under Logan West Upgrade Plan

Access to Skepper Street in Ellen Grove could be removed under the latest design for the Logan West Upgrade, leaving residents to use Michael Street and Stephen Street instead.

The proposed change is shown in Transurban’s newly released reference design for the major Logan Motorway project.

Under the design, motorists would no longer be able to access Skepper Street from the Boundary Road eastbound on-ramp. Transurban says the closure is proposed to improve road safety, with local access instead provided through Michael Street and Stephen Street.

For residents, however, the change is not yet a done deal. The August 2026 reference design shows Transurban’s preferred approach at this stage of the project and remains subject to approvals and further detailed design.

What Would Change at Boundary Road?

The Skepper Street proposal forms part of a broader redesign around Boundary Road and the Logan Motorway.

The Boundary Road eastbound on-ramp is proposed to have two lanes and ramp metering, while the westbound off-ramp would increase from one to two lanes. New signals are also proposed at the westbound off-ramp, with both lanes able to turn right.

The reference design specifically identifies the removal of access to Skepper Street as one of the changes proposed for this part of the project.

Residents Being Asked to Have Their Say

The proposal has prompted a renewed push for feedback from Ellen Grove residents, following the release of the reference design in August.

Jamboree Ward Councillor Sarah Hutton said she was recently briefed by Transurban and was concerned that relatively few residents had responded about the proposed change.

Hutton has launched her own short survey asking residents whether they support or oppose the proposal, with responses closing on 20 September. She said the feedback would help her advocate on behalf of the community and pursue alternative options if residents believe the proposed arrangement is not suitable.

The survey is separate from Transurban’s project consultation. Transurban conducted formal community engagement on the wider Logan West Upgrade in late 2024 and says feedback from that process helped shape the reference design. Further community feedback will also be gathered as the project progresses.

Hutton has also stressed that Transurban, rather than Brisbane City Council, is proposing the Skepper Street access change.

Part of a Much Larger Motorway Upgrade

The Skepper Street proposal is one relatively small but locally significant element of the Logan West Upgrade.

The wider reference design includes an additional lane in each direction between the Centenary Motorway and Mount Lindesay Highway, an additional westbound lane between Boundary Road and Formation Street, changes around the Formation Street interchange, upgrades to motorway ramps and new smart motorway technology.

Transurban says more than 210,000 trips are made on the Logan Motorway each day, with traffic expected to increase by 35 per cent by 2041.

If the project is approved, Transurban forecasts that the upgrade could reduce travel times by up to 20 minutes during peak periods by 2031. It also estimates the project could remove about 6,100 trucks and cars each day from local streets including Progress Road, Inala Avenue, Springfield–Greenbank Arterial, Goodna Road and Johnson Road.

Skepper Street Closure Is Not Yet Final

While the reference design makes Transurban’s current preferred arrangement for Skepper Street clear, several stages remain before construction.

Environmental consultation is scheduled for mid-to-late 2026, followed by the release of a detailed design in early-to-mid 2027. State Government approval is targeted for mid-2027, with construction expected to begin in mid-to-late 2027 if the project proceeds.

Completion is planned before 2032, although Transurban says the project dates and approvals process are subject to change.

For Ellen Grove residents, that leaves time to respond to the proposed change before the design reaches its final form.

Published 6-September-2026

Richlands Woman Surprised With $40,000 Nova Pay Day Win

A Richlands woman has won $40,000 after receiving a surprise visit at her Hawthorne workplace from Nova 106.9’s Nick, Luttsy & Susie O’Neill Breakfast team.

Read: Forest Lake Families Turn Standard Dinners into Funding for Community Projects

Melanie was at work with Micah Projects when the radio team arrived to reveal she had won the major prize in the station’s $40K Pay Day promotion, run in partnership with TPG. Initially lost for words as the news sank in, Melanie said the $40,000 prize would make a significant difference to her life.

Surprise Visit at Work

Photo credit: Instagram/Nick, Luttsy & Susie O’Neill

The win was announced while Melanie was at Micah Projects, an organisation that supports marginalised people in the community, including people experiencing homelessness and domestic and family violence.

Her colleagues gathered to celebrate the announcement, while her daughter Georgia joined the Breakfast show by phone. Georgia became emotional as she spoke about what the prize meant for her mother. She described Melanie as someone who had been through difficult times while continuing to show care and generosity towards others.

She also said she hoped the prize would give her mother the chance to do something for herself. The Nova Breakfast team praised Melanie and her work with Micah Projects, saying the result could not have gone better.

How the $40K Pay Day Worked

Melanie’s win came through Nova 106.9’s $40K Pay Day promotion, which celebrated TPG’s 40th birthday. Over the two-week promotion, Nick, Luttsy & Susie O’Neill called out postcodes on air. Listeners in the selected postcode had 40 seconds to call the station and get on air.

Successful callers received $40 and secured a place in the draw for the competition’s $40,000 major prize. Melanie was ultimately selected as the major prize winner.

A $40,000 Win for a Richlands Listener

The competition concluded with a surprise visit to Melanie’s workplace in Hawthorne, where the Breakfast team delivered the news in person.

For the Richlands woman, the result was an unexpected $40,000 prize announced during a working day alongside her colleagues.

Her daughter’s reaction highlighted the personal significance of the win, with Georgia saying the money could make a substantial difference in her mother’s life.

Read: Pet Portraits from Forest Lake Win Big in London Photography Awards

The $40K Pay Day promotion formed part of celebrations marking TPG’s 40th birthday, with listeners given the chance to respond when their postcode was called.

Melanie’s prize was revealed during the surprise workplace visit, bringing the competition to a memorable conclusion for the Richlands winner and those around her at Micah Projects.

Published 31-August-2026

Kerbside Collection: How Your Discarded E-Waste Could Lead to Identity Theft

Are you accidentally throwing away your personal data along with your trash during the upcoming kerbside collection across Larapinta, Pallara, Willawong, and Heathwood?

When does the heavy lifting actually begin? The collection trucks will officially hit the streets during the week commencing Monday, 31 August 2026. Locals need to have their bulky waste ready on the footpath by 6 a.m. on that first day.

Do not let enthusiasm get the better of you, though. Waste management crews are remarkably strict about timing, warning everyone to hold off on building their pavement mountains until Saturday, 29 August. Severe weather could also force sudden schedule changes, prompting officials to advise checking the local council web page for last-minute updates before hauling anything outside.

The Identity Theft Trap

Getting rid of that dusty old laptop feels incredibly satisfying right up until you realise your personal banking data went with it. This is where a mundane rubbish run takes a surprising turn. Discarding electronic waste without completely wiping the hard drive leaves you wide open to severe privacy breaches.

Officials strongly urge anyone ditching old computers, tablets, or mobile phones to permanently delete all personal information first. Clueless about how to wipe a device properly? Contact the manufacturer directly or hunt down a professional data-wiping service online before hauling your sensitive tech to the kerb.

Free Disposal or a Massive Fine?

What looks like harmless trash to you might just be a fast track to an illegal dumping fine. While old bathtubs, rusty bicycles, living room rugs, and broken timber furniture are perfectly fine to discard, slipping the wrong item into your pile is a massive gamble. Leave out dangerous materials like car parts, leaking batteries, or hazardous fibro sheeting, and the trucks will completely ignore them.

If that banned rubbish sits on the grass for more than seven days after the collection period ends, inspectors can slap you with a heavy penalty. Everyday household recycling, dirt, slippery bean bags, and heavy glass are also strictly blacklisted from the pickup.

Sidewalk Etiquette and Hidden Hazards

Safety remains the absolute priority when transforming the neighbourhood into a temporary junk yard. Removing the doors from old refrigerators or discarded cupboards is a mandatory safety measure to stop wandering children or pets from getting trapped inside. Are you piling things a bit too high? Keep the entire mess under two cubic metres, which roughly equals the size of a small box-trailer.

Every single piece must be light enough for two people to lift without straining their backs. Keep the footpaths entirely clear for pedestrians, secure lightweight items against strong winds, and perhaps consider selling your usable goods before dumping them for good.

Published Date 24-August-2026

How Larapinta Commuters Face Brisbane’s Longest Public Transport Journey

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Commuters setting out from Larapinta face a gruelling 123-minute public transport journey to reach the city centre, highlighting the stark divide in everyday travel across outer Brisbane neighbourhoods.

How does sheer distance stack up against actual infrastructure? While inner-city dwellers enjoy rapid transit links, outer fringe pockets often grapple with extended travel chains stretching well past the two-hour mark. Similar endurance commutes were mapped in remote pockets, capturing a 113-minute transit from Wights Mountain to Samford Valley and a 107-minute trek between Anstead and Kenmore.

Dedicated transit lines rewrite the rules entirely. Suburbs sitting directly on high-frequency rail corridors or dedicated busways often outperform residential zones much closer to the heart of the city. Zillmere proves this point well. Positioned roughly 14 kilometres out, a direct train connection allows it to outpace several inner-ring locations bogged down by everyday road congestion.

Proximity offers no guarantees. Pockets located mere kilometres from the centre still encounter sluggish travel times when relying heavily on winding local roads or indirect neighbourhood services. Population density dictates these outcomes. Traditional fixed-route services thrive in densely populated neighbourhoods where thousands of residents live within a short stroll of a stop. In lower-density communities, transport designers face the difficult task of balancing direct routes with community access, often resulting in winding paths and extra stops that slow down the journey.

Building entirely new heavy rail corridors to service sparsely populated outer zones remains financially unfeasible. Instead, experts advocate for increasing housing density around established transport hubs to ensure more residents can access rapid transit without relying on indirect routes.

Can public transport truly beat the car? Across the metropolitan area, it successfully beat private vehicles in dozens of suburbs, particularly those anchored by reliable train lines. Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Milton, Newmarket, South Brisbane, Taringa, Northgate, and Wilston recorded the fastest transit trips into the CBD, all relying on trains that outpaced peak-hour driving times.

Pockets like Upper Brookfield struggle with a complete lack of practical transit options, having no stops within a ten-minute walk and requiring a lengthy journey just to reach the nearest train station. Meanwhile, transport authorities and local councils report rising patronage numbers, driven in part by discounted fare trials and ongoing network upgrades aimed at keeping commuter traffic moving smoothly across the region.

Published Date 19-August-2026

Urban Utilities Inspections to Affect Darra, Durack, Inala and Richlands

Photo Credit: Unsplash/NaipoDe

Residents across Brisbane’s south-west may see Urban Utilities officers inspecting private properties in the coming months, with Darra, Durack, Inala and Richlands among 31 suburbs included in a program aimed at reducing wet-weather wastewater overflows.

The three suburbs are covered by the Wet Weather Overflow Reduction Program, which runs until 31 December 2026 and targets areas where wastewater overflows have repeatedly occurred during wet weather or where pumping stations and treatment plants have recorded unusually high inflows.

Urban Utilities is trying to determine how stormwater is entering a wastewater system that is not designed to carry large volumes of rainwater. Possible sources include cracked pipes, defects around maintenance holes and non-compliant plumbing or drainage connections on private properties.

During heavy rainfall, stormwater entering the wastewater network can significantly increase flows and contribute to overflows, particularly where the system is already under pressure.

Smoke testing to trace unwanted stormwater

To identify where stormwater may be entering the wastewater network, crews use smoke testing on wastewater pipes and private plumbing. Separately, Urban Utilities uses measures including CCTV inspections and pipe cleaning as part of its broader sewer maintenance work.

Non-toxic smoke is pumped into wastewater lines to trace unwanted flow. In a correctly connected system, the smoke should travel through the wastewater pipes and escape through normal plumbing vents.

If smoke emerges from stormwater drains, downpipes or other unexpected locations, it can indicate a defect or an incorrect connection.

The testing may involve access to private land where officers need to inspect plumbing, drainage or wastewater infrastructure. An inspection does not automatically mean a property has a defect or that a homeowner will face immediate repair costs.

Property access powers come with limits

Under Queensland legislation, authorised officers operating within an approved inspection program have statutory powers to enter private properties at reasonable times without prior occupier consent. However, the inspection-program powers have clear limits: officers cannot use those powers to enter any part of a property where a person resides.

Where an occupier is present, officers must make a reasonable attempt to identify themselves, explain the purpose of the entry and advise that the Act permits entry without consent. For an approved inspection program, they must also provide details of the program.

For households in the affected suburbs, the distinction is important. Statutory access to private land under the program does not amount to an unrestricted right to enter a home.

Public and private infrastructure both under scrutiny

Urban Utilities says excess wet-weather flow can result from a mix of local topography, public infrastructure defects and private plumbing issues. While the program allows testing on private land, the work is intended to establish where stormwater is entering the system before further action is determined.

Depending on what is found, corrective work may involve private plumbing, Urban Utilities infrastructure or both. The utility says the results will help identify problem locations and inform targeted action across the wastewater network.

For residents across the wider Forest Lake area, the key issue is knowing why access may be sought, what officers are permitted to inspect and what happens if a defect is identified as testing continues.

Published 13-Aug-2026

Residents Await Answers Over Closed Poinsettia Street Walkway

For years, residents used a pedestrian connection between Kulgan Circuit and Poinsettia Street to reach nearby schools, community organisations and public transport. The route is now blocked by fencing, removing a direct pedestrian connection through the area.

The closure has left some pedestrians taking longer, less convenient routes. It has also raised questions about who controls the accessway and whether a direct pedestrian connection can be restored.

Poinsettia Street: A Vital Community Hub

The closure has drawn attention because several schools, community organisations and public transport services are concentrated along Poinsettia Street.

Richlands East State School is at 99 Poinsettia Street, while Inala Flexible School operates from 67 Poinsettia Street. Inala Wangarra also lists its meeting place in the precinct.

The HUB Neighbourhood Centre Inala is located at 79 Poinsettia Street. In 2016, the Queensland Government allocated funding for a new community centre on what was then department-owned land at that address.

HUB provides practical services and activities including playgroups and public computer and Wi-Fi access. The Queensland Government also lists Inala among locations where Community Connect workers support individuals and families with complex needs.

Public transport forms another part of the local access picture. Translink lists stop 77/59 on Poinsettia Street at Richlands Campus.

Route 101 serves the stop on services towards Oxley station, while Route 122 timetables also show services through the stop towards Garden City.

Before the closure
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Broader Pedestrian Planning in Inala

The dispute sits against a background of ongoing council planning designed to improve local foot traffic. Brisbane City Council, supported by the Queensland Government’s Walking Grants program, developed the Inala Walking Network Plan. The proposed plan was intended to identify primary and secondary routes connecting everyday destinations and help guide future infrastructure investment around Inala Plaza and the bus station.

While community consultation for the plan closed in November 2024, the strategy does not take an explicit position on the Kulgan Circuit-Poinsettia Street link. Nevertheless, it highlights that direct, safe, and accessible walking connections are already a key planning priority for the broader region.

Unanswered Questions Surrounding the Fence

Despite growing local frustration, the exact reason for the blockage remains unclear. Member for Inala Margie Nightingale has attributed the decision to the State Government, calling for the route to be reopened or for a practical alternative to be established.

However, public records do not clarify which specific agency authorised the fencing, nor whether the decision was driven by safety, land management, or liability concerns.

Photo Credit: MargieNightingaleMP/Facebook

It also remains unconfirmed whether the long-used pathway ever possessed formal public access rights. While usage data and exact detour distances have not been publicly detailed, the practical impact on foot travellers is evident.

The Search for a Solution

The concentration of education, social support, and public transport along Poinsettia Street explains why the closure of a single neighbourhood pathway has become a pressing issue.

Until the authority responsible for the barrier clarifies its position, residents who rely on the Kulgan Circuit connection are left waiting to see if their direct route will ever be restored.

Published 10-Aug-2026

Forest Lake Community Festival: Music, Markets and Fireworks Set for The Lake

Photo Credit: Forest Lake Community Festival/Facebook

Forest Lake is preparing for one of the most anticipated highlights on its annual community calendar, bringing thousands of residents together around the water for a bustling showcase of food, family entertainment, and local culture. The Forest Lake Community Festival highlights the unique spirit of the suburb by uniting schools, performers, small businesses, and community groups for an action-packed lineup.

Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of market stalls, giveaways, food trucks, free children’s rides, and roving street entertainment, alongside live musical performances and a spectacular evening finale featuring a laser light show and fireworks.

The lakeside festivities are scheduled for Saturday, 29 August, running from 2:00 p.m. through to 8:00 p.m. Live musical entertainment will kick off at 5:00 pm with country rock band The Smashing Bumpkins taking the stage, building energy through the late afternoon until the grand finale at 8:00 pm.

Photo Credit: The Smashing Bumpkins/Facebook

Vibrant Market Lineup and Local Support

Beyond the central stage, the festival marketplace continues to expand as individual stallholders and community groups finalise their preparations.

Local artisans such as Loulou’s Craft Designs will offer free face painting, giveaways, and community displays through Michele’s Market Place, while specialty stalls like Creations By Jude will display handcrafted goods.

Key Road Closures and Traffic Planning

For nearby residents and motorists, navigating the precinct during festival hours will require careful planning and patience. The Esplanade will close to vehicular traffic to safely accommodate the large crowds, with historical notices indicating that the stretch between Forest Lake Boulevard and Jetty Walk is usually the primary section affected. However, locals are strongly advised not to assume that previous traffic management protocols will apply unchanged this year.

With organisers anticipating a turnout that could easily surpass last year’s figure of more than 5,000 visitors, parking in close proximity to the water will be severely constrained.

Consequently, residents living within a comfortable walking distance are encouraged to leave their vehicles at home and travel on foot, while those arriving from further away should allow ample extra travel time.

Evening Fireworks and Household Preparation

The night’s program will reach its climax with the advertised 8:00 pm laser show and fireworks display over the water. While providing a memorable visual backdrop to end the festivities, the scheduled timetable also serves as early notice for nearby households regarding sudden, loud sound effects. Pet owners living in surrounding streets are encouraged to make necessary arrangements well in advance, ensuring domestic animals are safely secured indoors before the pyrotechnics begin.

The event’s growing scale is made possible through strong local corporate and civic backing, including contributions from Heritage Community Branch Forest Lake, People First Bank, Brisbane Real Estate, Forest Lake Ward Councillor Charles Strunk, and the Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor’s Community Fund.

Published 10-Aug-2026

Lions FC Junior Programs Give Forest Lake Children Room to Develop

Photo Credit: LionsFC/Facebook

Families in Forest Lake and surrounding suburbs have convenient local options this term for children wanting to try football or sharpen their technical skills. Lions FC is delivering junior programs at its Richlands grounds and across several local primary schools, catering to both absolute beginners and established young players.

Lions FC’s Term 3 after-school program operates directly at Forest Lake, Grand Avenue, Middle Park, Oxley, and Carole Park state schools. Designed for primary students from Prep to Year 6, the initiative allows children to pick up a ball for the first time in a familiar, comfortable setting.

These sessions focus on essential fundamentals—including kicking, dribbling, ball control, and stopping—while fostering teamwork and communication. Lions FC community programs coordinator Nathan Shepherd noted that the beginner stream prioritises fun and active engagement, offering a low-pressure entry point before families decide whether to commit to the sport long-term.

Extra touches for children already playing

This grassroots approach mirrors broader initiatives by Football Queensland, which delivers school programs, holiday clinics, and introductory activities statewide. However, for players seeking more advanced instruction alongside their standard team commitments, Lions FC also runs the Lions Elite Football Development (LEFD) program at its Richlands facilities.

Open to children aged six to 13—including those registered with other clubs—the LEFD Term 3 program offers flexible five- and 10-week options running from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Shepherd explained that LEFD complements rather than replaces regular team training.

With smaller training groups, the program gives players significantly more time on the ball to refine individual techniques that often get overlooked during tactical team sessions.

A local pathway with room to grow

Together, the two programs create a seamless local pathway. Beginners can comfortably learn the basics right after class, while more experienced players can access specialised development nearby.

For Forest Lake families, the primary advantage is accessible, organised physical activity close to home, with Football Queensland’s FQ Academy providing a clear bridge to representative football should players wish to progress further.

Parents can check or follow the Lions FC social sites for current registration details and session schedules.

Published 1-Aug-2026

323 New Homes Planned for Pallara After $8.4M Infrastructure Boost

Photo Credit: JarrodBleijieMP/Facebook

Plans for 323 new homes in Pallara are set to move forward after $8.4 million was allocated for drainage works along Sweets Road, with the infrastructure designed to support the suburb’s next stage of residential growth.

Drainage to Support Homes in Pallara

The project will deliver box culvert drainage along a 350-metre stretch of Sweets Road, providing infrastructure required for residential development in the suburb.

Announced on 27 July, the funding forms part of the Residential Activation Fund, which supports infrastructure needed to open land for housing.

The Pallara project was announced alongside a separate investment in Bridgeman Downs. That project will receive $2.5 million for sewerage infrastructure at Beams Road, including a new sewer pump station, rising main and gravity sewer main.

The Bridgeman Downs works are intended to unlock 615 homes. Together with the 323 homes planned for Pallara, the two Brisbane projects are expected to support 938 homes.

Across the first two rounds of the fund, four projects in Brisbane are intended to unlock 2,223 homes.

Pallara stormwater upgrade — *Photo Credit: JarrodBleijieMP/Facebook*

Other Stormwater Works Around Sweets Road

The newly funded box culvert drainage has a different scope from an existing Stage 1 stormwater project between Sweets Road and Vied Road.

That earlier project began in May 2023 and was designed to improve flood immunity, water quality and overland flow for nearby properties and roads. It also allows for potential future development.

housing development — *Photo Credit: JarrodBleijieMP/Facebook*

Work already completed under Stage 1 includes a wetland at 101 Vied Road, featuring a sediment basin, marsh zones and open water areas. Three reinforced concrete pipes between 101 and 102 Vied Road have also been upgraded.

The remaining works listed for that project include a vegetated channel running through sections of 38 Sweets Road and 102 Vied Road. The channel is planned to extend for 410 metres and measure 10 metres wide at the top.

A new access track between Sweets Road and Vied Road is also included in the Stage 1 plans. Its route would form the future alignment of a bikeway or shared path.

The separate $8.4 million allocation is focused on the 350-metre box culvert project along Sweets Road and the infrastructure intended to unlock the latest 323 homes in Pallara.

Published 29-July-2026