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Celebrate a Family Fun Day at Forest Lake Toy Library This April

If you’re looking for something to do with the whole family this Sunday, the 14th of April 2019, drop by Forest Lake Toy Library on High Street for a Family Fun Day!

This event will run from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., where the children may participate in activities like face painting or experience a wonderful time in messy play or the jumping castle.

Raffle prizes for the children will also be given away during the Family Fun Day. The entrance fee is good for one gold coin per person but once inside, the kids can play with any toy or equipment to their heart’s desire.

*Photo Credit:* *Forest Lake Toy Library/Facebook*

But there’s also something for the adults attending this event. There will be various food stalls for moms and dads to try, as well as market stalls to buy keepsakes and other interesting items.

This Sunday will also be a good opportunity to talk to the volunteers to learn more about the Forest Lake Toy Library membership, playgroups and toy swaps. MP Charles Strunk will also be expected to join the event at 1:00 p.m. to meet and mingle with the families.

The Forest Lake Toy Library is an innovative and environment-friendly way of keeping the kids occupied. Members can borrow any toy from the library. If the kid gets bored with the toy, simply bring the toy back to the library and borrow another toy.

The toy library not only gives members access to heaps of toys, but also promotes a sustainable environment and a home free from toy clutter.

Overall, the Family Fun Day should be a great opportunity to get to know the people in the community. But the event also serves as a way to express the community’s appreciation to these local businesses, which have contributed to the improvement of the Forest Lake Toy Library:

Forest Lake Junior Sports Field Lighting Upgrade Project Commences this April

Construction works for the Forest Lake junior sports field lighting upgrade project at College Avenue, Forest Lake will commence early April 2019.

The Forest Lake junior sports lighting upgrade project will involve construction of six new light poles and installation of new electrical infrastructure on the eastern oval. The upgrade will provide standard lighting to the eastern field to allow night-time practice and local level competition.

Construction works for the project will include trenching and excavation works to install new electrical infrastructure; construction of light pole foundations; and construction of six new luminaire poles.

The works shall take place on the eastern oval and the work areas will be fenced during the construction. As construction progresses, local community can expect some construction related noise, dust, and vibration.

Construction is scheduled to take place between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and advance notification for out-of-hours activities will be provided. The project is expected to be completed by late June 2019.

Future Development Plans

Forest Lake Sports Fields is home to the Forest Lake Junior Rugby Union Club which is the principal lessee of the two ovals located in the park.

The club has several developments planned over the next five years: storage shed for equipment including the diesel powered lights; water bore for the irrigation system; levelling and improving the surface of both ovals; installation of six solar powered security cameras; installation of LED Light Towers for the main oval.

Simple Bliss Coffee in Forest Lake: A Delightful Blend of Great Coffee and Relaxing Scenery

Simple Bliss Coffee on The Esplanade at Forest Lake is that little caffeine spot overlooking the lake, just the right blend of great coffee and incredible scenery!

Since it opened in 2015, not only has it become popular with locals who drop by after their morning jog or stroll along the walkways, but it is also sought after by travellers passing through Forest Lake.

Coffee by the lake — *Photo credit: Simple Bliss Coffee/Facebook*

There are a number of reasons why this coffee shop is well liked.

First, they have gained a following because of their excellent smooth, creamy coffee. Simple Bliss makes no secret that they use quality coffee beans from Black Sheep coffee in Woolloongabba and creamy milk from Maleny Dairies.

Vegetarians can opt for the soy and almond milk by Freedom Foods which is GM free and Australian made. Zymil is used for lactose-intolerant patrons.

Aside from the coffee, they are also well-liked for their rich and creamy mocha made from specialty organic chocolate supplied by Heirloom.

A biocup is used for takeaways, but reusable cups are also on sale.

You can also order delicious slices of assorted cakes, vegan bread or fruit loaf, biscuits, and toasted sandwiches to complete your lakeside brunch. The yummy cakes and pastries are from local suppliers, and also include preservative-free and organic items.

This coffee shop is also admired for being dog-friendly. Having a water bowl in a corner and dog treats on the menu, fur babies are definitely welcome to hang out.

Since this unassuming café is on a balcony, customers get to enjoy a gorgeous view of the lake. The waterscape adds to the cosy and relaxing mood of the place.

Lastly, the friendly staff and their genuine smiles are what customers treasure most. There is a saying that ‘a smile alone doesn’t guarantee excellent customer service, but excellent customer service almost always starts with a smile’. The staffs’ attitude never fails to convey that they are happy to be of service to clients.

Simple Bliss Coffee is open seven days a week, from 6:30 am to 12:30 pm on Mondays till Fridays and from 6:30 am to 12:00 pm on weekends.

Richlands Traffic Operation Yields Nearly 50 Violators

Almost 50 motorists were detected, with five charged for allegedly disqualified driving away from court, during a one-day traffic operation in Richlands aimed at disqualified or unlicensed drivers.

“Operation Romeo Drawbridge” was conducted on 20 February 2019 by officers from the Mt Ommaney Road Policing Unit, along with general duties officers.

“The operation emphasises our message to drivers that police will be actively enforcing road rules anywhere at anytime,” Road Policing Command Superintendent David Johnson said.

Several other offences were found during the operation: disqualified driving (5), drug driving (4), unregistered / uninsured (1), traffic infringement notices for various matters (39), unlicensed driving (1), possession of drugs (1).

“Drivers must realise that they have a responsibility for not just their own safety or the passengers in the vehicle but for every other road user.

“It was certainly disappointing to see drivers still ignoring the Fatal Five and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances, not wearing a seatbelt or speeding,” Superintendent Johnson said.

*Photo Credit: Hareez Hussaini / Unsplash*

According to Department of Transport and Main Roads website, a Queensland (or non-Queensland) driver licence will be suspended for a stated period when you have:

not paid any fines imposed by a court (State Penalties Enforcement Registry)
gained too many demerit points on your traffic history
been convicted of driving more than 40km/h over the speed limit.

If your driver licence is suspended and you drive a motor vehicle in Queensland, you will charged in court for unlicensed driving. If found guilty, you will be disqualified from holding a driver licence for at least 1 month, and up to a maximum of 6 months. You may also receive a maximum fine or be imprisoned for up to 1 year.

On the other hand, a person could be disqualified from holding a driver licence for stated period by Australian court if convicted of drink or drug driving offence, dangerous driving offence, or a criminal offence involving the driving or use of a motor vehicle.

Motorists driving a vehicle in Queensland while disqualified from holding a driver licence will be dealt with by a court for disqualified driving. If found guilty, court will disqualify offending driver from holding a driver licence for an additional period of at least 2 years – up to a maximum of 5 years. The convicted driver may also receive a maximum fine or be imprisoned for up to 18 months.

Forest Lake – Doolandella Among SE-QLD Suburbs with Highest Number of Births in 2017

Forest Lake – Doolandella has one of the highest number of births among Southeast Queensland suburbs in 2017, as revealed by the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics report.

Forest Lake – Doolandella is among the SE-QLD suburbs that delivered the most number of babies with 460, an increase of 5.99 percent from 2011 and 3.60 percent from 2016. Despite the increase in the number of births, fertility rate was down to 1.98 from 2.23 in 2011 and 2.01 in 2016. Upper Coomera — Willow Vale recorded the highest number of births with 553, an 8.4 percent increase from 2011; TFR was also down from 2.48 in 2011 to 2.18.

Declining Total Fertility Rate

To replace the mother and her partner, the current TFR required for replacement is around 2.10 babies per woman, the ABS report said. In 2017, there were a total of 61,158 births recorded in Queensland with a total fertility rate of 1.82, down from TFR of 2.09 recorded in 2011 and 1.86 in 2016. The national total fertility rate in 2017 was 1.74 down from 1.79 in 2016.

*Photo Credit: Australian Bureau of Statistics / abs.gov.au*

Among QLD LGAs, Brisbane recorded the most number of births with 14,598 (TFR 1.51), followed by Gold Coast 6,958 (TFR 1.67), Moreton Bay 5,539 (1.95), Logan 4,960 (TFR 2.15), and Ipswich 3,351 (TFR 2.15).

Child Bearing Shifting Towards Older Age

Of the total 309,142 births in Australia, 77.60 percent came from New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. The report showed that the fertility rate of women 35 and over is rising, a stark contrast to other age groups which are seen to be falling.

*Photo Credit Xavier Mouton Photographie / Unsplash*

For women aged 35-39 has doubled in fertility rate in the past 30 years, whilst women aged 40-44 has tripled. Conversely, teenage fertility was down by almost 50 percent. However, women aged 30-34 still have the highest fertility rate with the 25-29 age group coming in second.

“The long-term decline in fertility of younger mums as well as the continued increase in fertility of older mums reflects a shift towards late childbearing. Together, this has resulted in a rise in median age of mothers and a fall in Australia’s total fertility rate,” ABS Director of Demography — Anthony Grubb, said.

Forest Lake is Top Suburb for Animal Adoption

In its annual report, RSPCA QLD revealed that its Clear the Shelters campaign in 2018 managed to help 1,024 animals find new homes, and among the best suburbs for animal adoption, Forest Lake is at the top of the list.

In their 2017/2018 annual report, RSPCA Queensland stated that their Brisbane Showgrounds and Brisbane Convention Centre pop-up adoption events resulted in the adoption of 439 and 320 animals for each year, respectively. On the other hand, Clear the Shelters Campaign, a three-day national animal adoption event that made animals available to adapt at $29, rehomed 1,024 animals. Overall, a total 18,339 animals have been adopted, 7,716 were fostered, and care centres were 90 percent cleared.

As for the suburbs with the most number of adoptions, Gympie, Kingaroy, Redlands Plains, and Narangba joins top-ranked Forest Lake. On the other hand, there have been 17,929 animal cruelty complaints investigated and 107 people charged. Of the total reported cases, Caboolture had the most number.

Video Credit: RSPCA Queensland / YouTube

RSPCA Queensland also reported that over 56,000 animals were taken under its care. Its call centre responded to 354,941 customer contacts and over 31,695 call-outs for sick and injured animals were responded to by their Animal Ambulance.

Photo Credit: RSPCA Queensland / YouTube

Animal Welfare Complaint

The Queensland Government website suggests making an animal welfare complaint if anyone suspects that an animal:

is at immediate risk of death or injury, such as locked in a hot car or bogged
is not being cared for properly
is being treated cruelly (i.e. beaten, kicked or otherwise abused)
has been deliberately abandoned
is being used in an illegal activity where it will suffer, such as a cockfight or dogfight
is being deliberately baited or poisoned (other than for officially declared feral or pest animal control)
is sick or injured and is not being treated
is not getting appropriate feed or water and is suffering
is not being given an appropriate place to live with regard to its age, breed or size.

RCPA Queensland is responsible for handling animal welfare complaints about hobby farm and pets. For complaints concerning commercial livestock and those outside major RSPCA centre locations, concerned locals may contact the Biosecurity Queensland (DAF) or the local police, for urgent concerns.

$1M Allocated to Improve Water Quality, Address Ibis Infestation in Forest Lake

Photo credit: Google Street View

More than $1 million has been committed over a two-and-a-half year period to address ongoing issues in Forest Lake. The funding will be used to improve the lake’s water quality, tackle algae and address the increasing ibis population.

The 10.9-hectare man-made recreational lake used to be an area where family and friends could gather amidst picturesque surroundings. Now the lake’s declining environment is driving locals away.

“The lake was originally one of the reasons people moved and bought here. They proudly took visitors from other suburbs, interstate and overseas for walks and picnics at the lake. Now, instead of walking, locals are driving out to other suburbs for outdoor recreation. This has detrimental repercussions for example on ‘sense of community’ and local businesses,” a local commented in a Change.org petition in hopes of saving the lake.

In January 2019, a number of local residents even formed a group called the Lake Action Group. The group hopes to find a long-term to solution by actively researching, contacting experts in the field of lake restoration, communicating with council and encouraging community involvement.

News about infestation of ibis surfaced in 2017. At the time, there were already thousands of ibises in the area and they were already causing damage to the environs. The Council implemented some rules, such as reducing food sources and installation of signages that warn visitors not to feed the birds.

Algae infestation also contributes to the challenges of maintaining the lake. The blue-green algae bloom that caused some concern to locals in 2011 occurred again in 2017. Residents have been advised not to enter the water due to the high toxicity levels from the algae bloom.

With this initiative to save the lake, the community could see the lake’s beauty that was once lost.

“Brisbane’s natural environment makes our city one of Australia’s best places to live, work and relax and it’s important we work together to protect our waterways to ensure future generations will continue to enjoy them,” Team Quirk wrote on Facebook.

Forest Lake Residents Raise ‘Fighting Fund’ Against The Esplanade Retirement High-Rise Development

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Residents in Forest Lake are joining forces against a high-rise developer who plans to build a high-rise retirement village at 5 The Esplanade. The legal battle, which started last July 2018, is expected to cost a substantial amount of money to pay for the services of a barrister who shall contest the developer’s appeal on their behalf.

On the afternoon of 12 Jan, the residents gathered at the ampitheatre for its fundraising meeting. Forest Lake Action Group (FLAG) spokesperson Hamish Krammer hopes that more people will take an active stance against the development.

James Property Group submitted its building plans for the company’s first 8-storey retirement village in Forest Lake to the Brisbane City Council in April 2018. Members of the council, however, blocked the proposal, thus the group’s JRD Number 2 director Jim Dupuis filed an appeal, with some minor changes to the project, with the Planning and Environment Court.

The developer’s modified plan will instead have a 6-storey building. Mr Dupuis emphasised that the retirement village will benefit the community as there are more demands for quality living spaces. He also said that he has a few other developments in mind for the Forest Lake community.

Hundreds of residents have been regularly attending the protest meetings since they have signed on as co-respondents against the appeal. Local solicitor Gregory Huddleston and the town planner Shane Howard have been advising and representing FLAG pro bono. FLAG also has the support of MP for Oxley Milton Dick and Councillor Charles Strunk.

The local community is against the said development since the building “is inconsistent with the Brisbane City Plan 2014 and the Forest Lake Neighbourhood Plan,” the petition underscored. The building will also apparently block the view from the lake, which may impact the residents. The excessive height of the proposed retirement village might also set a pattern for more high-rise developers to construct buildings that may ruin the landscape and architecture of the community.

However, Mr Dupuis downplayed the feedback from the residents by stating that there will always be complaints. FLAG, however, is still rallying up more residents to sign as co-respondents.

Smartphones for Smiles: Donate Your Used Smartphone at the Participating Puma Energy Location in Inala

If you have an old smartphone sitting idle in your drawer, you can give it a new meaningful purpose by donating it to “Smartphones for Smiles,” at the participating Puma Energy location in Inala, to help seriously ill children.

Starlight Children’s Foundation has partnered with Puma Energy, Frank Mobile, and Nova for the Smartphone for Smiles campaign which aims to collect around 1,000 used smartphones and raise over $39,000. Smartphones for Smiles is currently ongoing and will be up until 31 January.

Video Credit:Starlight Children’s Foundation / YouTube

How the Campaign Works

Retrieve your used smartphone for donation and remove any associated account locks. For your privacy, make sure that you remove all your personal account information and reset factory settings.
For information on how to reset your old smartphone, visit this Samsung webpage or Apple webpage.
Visit the nearest participating Puma Energy Service Station to drop off the used smartphone, and you just need to fill in some basic details at the counter.
Frank Mobile will then collect, and data wipe all donated devices to ensure complete data destruction.
At the end of the campaign, the value of all these donated phones will be reconciled and distributed to Starlight Children’s Foundation.

A total of 30 Puma Energy locations are now accepting donations including one at 322 Archerfield Road in Inala, 385 Sherwood Road in Rocklea, and 888 Beaudesert Road in Archerfiled.

For the rest of participating Puma Energy locations across South East Queensland, click here.

Donating your used smartphone is your chance to help bring a smile on the faces of children suffering from serious illness. Donate now and help spread the word.

Increasing Popularity of Forest Lake Reflected in Top Ranking for Houses Sold in Brisbane LGA

Forest Lake was one of the most popular suburbs for house sales during the 12 months to October 2018, the latest report said.

Domain Group has revealed the top 10 suburbs in terms of sales volume for houses and units, which Brisbane City took the top spot overall, selling 508 units and 27 houses. Forest Lake, however, was the top suburb for houses sold in the Brisbane LGA with an impressive 394 houses changing hands over the past 12 months.

As of May 2018, homesales.com.au reports the median price for houses in Forest Lake at $441,430 whilst the median unit price is $288,778. House prices grew by 3.94 percent in the past three years and 0.39% last year. Unit prices, however, fell by 1.69 percent in the past 3 years. Forest Lake has a total population of 22,426, and the average income is at $849.

There is a renewed interest on blue-chip Coorparoo as well, as it sold 180 houses and 213 units for the same period. These numbers are indicative of a surge in demand that the suburb has not enjoyed in the last couple of years.

Other suburbs with outstanding house sales volume include North Lakes with 450, Caboolture with 400, Morayfield with 394, and Kallangur with 369 houses sold. As for units sold, South Brisbane came in second with 428 unit sales volume.

Top Sales Volumes for Greater Brisbane in the 12 months to October 2018, according to Domain Group

Suburb	House	Unit	Grand Total
Brisbane City	27	508	535
North Lakes	450	35	485
Morayfield	394	72	466
Kallangur	369	83	452
Caboolture	400	47	447
South Brisbane	14	428	442
Cleveland	324	91	415
Forest Lake	394	18	412
Coorparoo	180	213	393
Deception Bay	308	77	385