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Forest Lake: Among Brisbane Suburbs With Most Feral and Wandering Cats Reported in 2019

Forest Lake is among the Brisbane suburbs with the most reported wandering cats and cat trapping requests in 2019, according to the Brisbane City Council report.

According to the animal complaints data, there have been 663 wandering cat reports and 629 requests for cat trapping received by Brisbane City Council in 2019. Forest Lake has the second most cat trapping requests with 17, next to Inala with 26. Forest Lake is also among the suburbs with the most number of reported wandering cats with 17, whilst Holland Park West topped the list with 44.

The problem with cats

Non-domestic cats are unowned or stray cats and are commonly found living in large colonies whilst feral cats are wild and often solitary animals. Because of their strong hunting instinct, cats are known to prey on birds, amphibians, fish, and other small mammals, apart from being notorious for their nuisance behaviours.

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, citing Mammal Action Plan 2012, mentioned feral cats as the biggest threat to Australia’s mammals, contributing to the extinction of more than 20 Australian mammal species. Cats may also carry parasites and spread diseases that affect livestock, wildlife, and humans.

Photo credit: suju/ Pixabay

Top 10 suburbs with most cat trapping requests:

Inala – 26
Forest Lake, Wynnum West – 17
Acacia Ridge – 16
Bracken Ridge, Clayfield, St Lucia, Wynnum – 14
Bald Hills, Sunnybank – 13
Moorooka – 11
Darra, Sandgate – 10
Brighton, Chermside, Sunnybank Hills – 9
Algester, Boondall, Carina Heights, Stafford Heights, Zillmere – 8
Calamvale, Camp Hill, Carina, Chapel Hill, Fitzgibbon, Mount Gravatt East, Richlands, Salisbury – 7

Top 10 suburbs with most reported wandering cats:

Holland Park West – 44
Bracken Ridge – 34
Wynnum West – 27
Forest Lake, Inala – 17
Stafford Heights – 15
Fitzgibbon, Wynnum – 14
The Gap -12
Kuraby, Paddington – 11
Carindale, Northgate – 9
Acacia Ridge, Boondall, Carina Heights, Keperra – 8

Feral animal sightings may be reported using the Council’s online form. For wandering cats, Council encourages residents to contact the cat owner or report it on (07) 3403 8888.

Construction of Stage One of New Nature-Based Adventure Parkland in Larapinta Well Underway

Construction of stage one of the nature-based adventure parkland in Larapinta, called Warril Parkland, is well underway and is expected to be completed in early mid-2020.

Stage One of Warril Parkland, part of the Oxley Creek Transformation project, which focuses on providing a foundation for nature-based adventure, will include features like new entry/interpretive structure, lake edge boardwalk and jetty, picnic areas, shelters and toilet facilities, park furniture (including seating, picnic tables, BBQs, bollards and fencing.

Vehicle access will be provided via Paradise Road. Also included is an internal park roadway and car parking area, footpaths/tracks, nature-play playground incorporating water play.

New Nature-Based Adventure Parkland in Larapinta — *Warril Parkland construction map*
*Photo credit: Oxley Creek Transformation / oxleycreek.com.au*

The Warril Parkland is the first project that was proposed as part of the Oxley Creek to Karawatha Outdoor Recreation Concept Plan. The new Parkland will act as a southern gateway to the Oxley Creek corridor. It will eventually link with other recreation and activity hubs to the north.

There are still opportunities for future stages of the Parkland and it will put focus on the three lakes that form part of Oxley Creek, approximately 400m northwest of Stage One. Potential outcomes of these future stages include:

a visitor and/or community centre
an event and activity lawn
non-motorised watercraft launching facilities
canoe and kayak paddling area
bird watching facilities
bushland walking, cycling and horse-riding trails
bike, canoe and kayak hire facilities
complementary nature-based ecotourism activities.

About Oxley Creek to Karawatha Outdoor Recreation Concept Plan

Released in 2018, the Oxley Creek to Karawatha Outdoor Recreation Concept Plan aims to create outdoor recreation spaces and recreation opportunities within a series of connected nature reserves located between Oxley Creek and Karawatha Forest Park, including Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve and Glider Forest.

Oxley Creek Transformation has already incorporated the ideas suggested in the Oxley Creek to Karawatha Recreation Concept Plan for Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve and Glider Forest.

The Oxley Creek to Karawatha corridor covers over 750 hectares and provides habitat for a diverse fauna and flora species including koalas, gliders, wallabies, birds and frogs; and threatened vegetation communities including endangered ecosystems.

Inala’s Blue Fin Fishing Club Is Having A Free Kids Fishing Day This February

Let your kids fall in love with nature and the great outdoors by bringing them to The Blue Fin Fishing Club’s Free Kids Fishing Day at Inala on February 15th 2020.

If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity for your children as they transition from summer vacation to the new school year, The Blue Fin Fishing Club’s Free Kids Fishing Day might just be the perfect event for you.

*Photo credit: The Blue Fin Fishing Club/ Facebook*

Blue Fin Fishing Club’s fishing day for kids is organised by the Blue Fin’s Freshwater Captain himself, Craig Hardy. This activity is open to all children ages 8 to 14 years old who are interested to learn or practice fishing.

The fishing day is happening on Saturday, 15 February 2020. A bus will be arranged to pick up all participants from the Blue Fin Fishing Club at 8:00 a.m. and back to the club by 2:00 p.m.

Parents of participants are welcome to join the trip, but it is not mandatory.

What to expect during the trip?

All participants will learn the basics of knot tying, rigging lines and casting. Guided practical fishing tips will also be given throughout the entire fishing activity.

Apart from all the fishing equipment needed, all participants will be provided with free lunch and ice cream. Parents are also invited to join the BBQ happening after the event.

To register for Blue Fin Fishing Club’s free kids fishing day, you may contact the reception via phone at 07 3372 0333 or through email at reception@bluefinfishingclub.com.au.

Latest Report: Forest Lake Is Top Location For Theft In Brisbane

The worst locations for home and car theft across the state has been revealed, with Forest Lake topping the list in Brisbane.

Logan and Gold Coast were top home and car theft hotspots in Qld, based on the 1,000 insurance claims received from 2016-2019, RACQ spokesperson Lucinda Ross said. A total of 812 of those claims were made by Logan residents whilst 621 Gold Coast residents claimed for motor vehicle theft.

“We’ve seen a steady rise in car theft claims over the past four years, with December the busiest time of year for thieves,” Ms Ross stated.

In Brisbane, Forest Lake was the top suburb for both home and motor vehicle theft with 79 and 27 respectively. Carindale, Kuraby, Sunnybank Hills, and Eight Mile Plains complete the top five for home theft claims.

As for car theft, Inala, Sunnybank Hills, Bracken Ridge, Annerley, and Brassall round out the top five.

Brisbane’s top five locations for home theft*

Forest Lake	79
Carindale	63
Kuraby	62
Sunnybank Hills	60
Eight Mile Plains	59

Brisbane’s top five locations for car theft*

Forest Lake	27
Inala	22
Sunnybank Hills, Bracken Ridge	19
Annerley	17
Brassall	15

*2016 – 2019 data / Source: RACQ

“It’s concerning the Gold Coast again tops the list for motor vehicle theft and we’re urging locals to take some simple steps to protect themselves.

She advised residents to never leave keys or valuables in sight and “make sure you’re parking your car in a secure location and keeping the windows up.”

There has been a decline in home theft claims, the report said, but almost 6,000 claims for theft have been made in four years; November was the worst month for break-in.

Ms Ross urged residents to be wary of leaving windows and doors unlocked as it provides an easy way for thieves to walk in and steal belongings.

“It’s also worth looking into sensor lights and other alarm systems to protect you,” she said.

“Thieves are often opportunistic, so make sure your home is as secure as possible and properly value your items when insuring your home and contents.”

Animal Cruelty Cases On The Rise, Inala At Top 3

“Obviously it’s not good news,” is what RSPCA QLD had to say about the state’s rising cases of animal cruelty, which sadly lists Inala as having the third most number of complaints in 2019.

There were a total of 18,692 complaints about animal cruelty and neglect recorded in 2019. RSPCA QLD said that the figures are disappointing, considering that it’s almost eight hundred more compared to the previous year.

“You want the numbers to be decreasing not rising,” RSPCA Qld spokesperson Michael Beatty said.

“Our Inspectors are already operating under an enormous workload.”

Caboolture was once again the top animal cruelty hotspot with over 200 complaints in 2019, followed by Redbank Plains with 141 and Inala with 126.

The majority, or 68 percent, of suburbs had less than 10 complaints whilst a total of 1,749 suburbs had at least one recorded animal cruelty case and 54 suburbs recorded more than 50 complaints.

A total of 335 cases, RSPCA QLD said, already went before the courts with charges laid under the Animal Care and Protection Act.

2019 RSPCA QLD Cruelty Complaints Map

*Click on the pins to reveal the total number of animal cruelty cases

The top animal cruelty complaints received by RSPCA QLD include issues such as animals with insufficient food and water; poor living conditions; animals being tethered and not receiving exercise; abandonment; injuries not being treated; and animals looking in poor condition.

RSPCA QLD added that nearly 1,000 calls were received regarding heat stress, which means either the animal was left in a hot car or it couldn’t reach shade and water in the yard.

For any animal welfare concerns, you can call 1300 ANIMAL (264 625) or lodge a complaint here.

Free Play2Learn Playgroup Gives Forest Lake a Great Start

Help shape your child’s cognitive, social, and emotional well-being by joining Forest Lake’s free weekly playgroup at Play2Learn Forest Lake.

Did you know that providing very young children with opportunities to learn, grow and develop through safe and supported play is crucial in their overall well-being not just as a child but also up to adulthood?

Yes, it’s true. And playgroups provide excellent opportunities for toddlers and other young children to learn how to socialise, establish routines, and interact, in preparation for their school years.

If you are looking for a place where your little one can meet new playmates, Save the Children is hosting a free weekly Play2Learn Program at Forest Lake starting this January 4th 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Forest Lake playground.

*Photo credit: Play2Learn Playgroups Brisbane/ Facebook*

About Play2Learn

Play2Learn is a free weekly playgroup that can be found in different suburbs across the wider Brisbane region. It is designed to provide safe, play-based educational activities for children up to 5 years of age.

The playgroups are run by early childhood educators across Australia. In each playgroup session, the educators set up age appropriate activities that would allow development and interest of the children. Healthy snacks for playgroup participants are also provided.

Activities in Play2Lean playgroups include:

Arts and crafts
Free play time
Morning or afternoon tea
Clean up time
Music and Singing
Story time

Apart from the benefits that young children receive at playgroups, parents and carers also benefit by meeting other parents, getting support with parenting, and enjoying time with their kids.

Playgroup is a safe, friendly and non-judgmental environment wherein parents and carers have the chance to get to know more about their community or seek for parenting support and advice from other parents or playgroup educators. Educators can bring resources to share with parents, and they can also link parents with support workers for extra help.

For more information about Play2Learn Forest Lake Playgroup, click here. You may also contact Play2Learn Team Leader, Dean Wrobel, via phone at 0411 668 852.

GIVIT Christmas Drive: Help Children Feel the Joy of Christmas

For many children, Christmas is a loving time for family gatherings, new experiences and making memories. However, 9,500 children between the ages of 0 to 17 in Queensland will have a different experience whilst living in foster care. GIVIT is appealing for help so that these children may feel the joy of Christmas.

‘Tis the season for merrymaking but some children will be in despair as they won’t have a home and a family to celebrate the holidays with. In the true spirit of Christmas, you can make a difference in the life of one or more foster kids in the system.

GIVIT, together with the Queensland Government Kids in Care Christmas Appeal, launched a Christmas drive to give Christmas present for children in foster care. You can join this worthy cause in three easy ways:

Donate a $20 gift card online
Donate funds in any amount for GIVIT to purchase the gift at local stores.
Donate your own new and unwrapped gift to the Child Safety Service Centre nearest you.

If you’re planning to drop off your own presents, here are some gift ideas:

In addition to collecting Christmas gifts, GIVIT accepts donations, either in cash or home supplies, for more than 150 families who have been displaced by the Australian bushfire. The organisation also accepts books for children and adults affected by this recent calamity.

In Forest Lake, the Child Safety Service Centre is located at Shop M, 255 Forest Lake Boulevard. You may also call (07) 3097 1000 to make arrangements, especially for groups who would like to get involved in this fund drive.

Free School Holiday Activities at The Lake Parklands This Summer

The sunny weather opens opportunities for a lot of playtimes outdoors this school holiday. In Forest Lake, there are two exciting activities lined up at The Lake Parklands, which won’t cost a penny and it’s pretty easy to book.

These FREE school holiday activities provide a few hours of fun that will enrich your children’s summer. They also learn new skills even whilst school is out.

What	LONGBOARD LESSONS
Where	The Lake Parklands 5 Alexandrina Circuit, Forest Lake Meeting point: playground
When	Monday, 6th of Jan 2020 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This activity is suitable for children between the ages of 10 to 17. Qualified ASF coaches will be teaching the kids the basics for beginners but those who have some experience with longboarding may also pick up advanced techniques from the trainers. Boards and helmets will be provided but it’s advisable for participants to bring their own, including knee pads, gloves and other form of protection.

Registration is required for this session. Book here or phone Anna at 0434 882 982 for reservations.

What	SURVIVOR CHALLENGE
Where	The Lake Parklands 5 Alexandrina Circuit, Forest Lake Meeting point: car park
When	Monday, 17th of Jan 2020 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Would you like your child to become a team player? This activity allows your son or daughter to learn skills like teamwork, strategizing, coordination and collaboration. This session is for eight 10 to 15-year-old children.

Registration is required. Phone Glenn of Life. Be in It. at 0403 221 676 to reserve a slot.

Grab this chance for your kids to be engaged in something really exciting besides fiddling on their gadgets or mobile phones. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the session starts so that your children may have a chance to break the ice with the other participants.

New $280-Million Meat Processing Facility Opens in Heathwood

Hilton Foods Australia has unveiled its new state-of-the-art meat processing and distribution facility in Heathwood set to provide around 650 new jobs and supply 450 Woolworths stores.

“This is one of the most innovative facilities of its kind in the world and a real showpiece of advanced food manufacturing in Queensland,” Minister for State Development and Manufacturing Cameron Dick said.

“Workers will operate robotics and man 23 state-of-the-art production lines to provide packaged meat and vegan products to Woolworths supermarkets locally and interstate.

“Brisbane’s central location, excellent transport network and Queensland’s highly trained workforce were all factors in HFA’s decision to bring their operations to Heathwood.

“Our government is pleased to have worked with HFA to help facilitate the move, and we welcome the jobs that have come with it.”

New $280-Million Meat Processing Facility Opens in Heathwood — *Phil Heffer (Hilton Foods Aus)Ziggy Kwarcinski (Woolworths Group)Charis Mullen MP (State Member for Jordan)Cr Angela Owen (BCC)Pat McEntee (Hilton Foods)Robert Watson (Hilton Foods, Chairman)*
*Photo credit: The State of Queensland (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) 1997-2019 / statements.qld.gov.au*

The new facility, which will be in full production in 2020, features solar installation capable of generating 2,800MWh per annum that can supply about 50% of the site’s total energy needs.

Hilton Foods Australia – Heathwood will also be able to save 170MWh of energy a year by utilising its refrigeration compressors to harness heat with an automated heat recovery system that will see 100,000L of water heated per day.

“It will boast the second largest rooftop photovoltaic solar installation in Australia, consisting of 6000 solar panels,” Minister for Environment and Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch said.

“This facility is not only setting new sustainable building standards but is bringing jobs to our region with potential for more, which is fantastic.”

“The majority of workers here live locally, so they will shop local and support great local businesses along the supply chain,” Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said.

“This is another great manufacturing facility in Queensland that will help strengthen the sector and shore up our state’s economic future.”

Describing the new facility as a big milestone, Hilton Foods Australia CEO Pat McEntee said that they are “proud to be joining the local community in Heathwood and contributing to economic growth with new employment opportunities and service contracts.”

Underpinned by its long-term supply partnership with Woolworths, the facility will produce top-quality fresh meat products and improve stock availability for more than 450 Woolworths stores from northern NSW to Far North Queensland.

“We value our partnership with Woolworths and look forward to assisting in developing a faster and fresher supply of high-quality meat and value-added products.

“We also wish to acknowledge and thank both Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government for their support in commissioning our Heathwood site,” Mr McEntee said.

“It’s really pleasing to see our long-term supply relationship with Hilton Foods Australia underpin this important new investment and job creation in Queensland,” Woolworths Director of Fresh Food Paul Harker said.

“We’re fortunate to source our fresh meat from the best Australian producers, and it’s important we uphold the quality of their product from paddock to plate.

“The opening of this state-of-the-art facility in Heathwood will help us deliver a consistently great fresh meat offer.

“It will also improve stock availability for our Queensland customers each and every day.”

Inala State School to Trial the Free Pre-Kindy Learning Program in 2020

Inala State School is among the pilot QLD state schools to trial the free pre-kindy learning program for three-year-old children when it launches in 2020.

The $2.2-million KindyLinQ pilot program will be trialed across the state, Education Minister Grace Grace has announced, with an initial twenty five schools to trial the 12-month program in 2020 and an additional 15 schools to follow later that school year.

“For many, Kindy can initially be a daunting step-up and we want all our children to get a great start,” Ms Grace said.

“This 12-month, specially designed program will really help some of our very young Queenslanders develop the essential basic skills needed and get ready for school.

“KindyLinQ will act as a soft entry to kindy, encouraging parents and caregivers to actively participate in these play-based learning sessions with their child.

“We want families to access this fantastic program to build their confidence as their child’s first teacher and giving them vital tips that they can use at home.”

To deliver the program are the school principal, a qualified teacher and early years support coordinator. KindyLinQ sessions will be for at least six hours a week, which will include activities such as indoor and outdoor play, shared storytelling, music and rhymes.

The trial will be offered for free to families coming from the pilot locations. Parents may contact the school to know more about the program.

Apart from Inala State School, the following are the first batch of pilot state schools for the KindyLinQ:

Beaudesert State School
Camira SS
Carole Park SS
Coolnwynpin SS
Dunwich SS
Goodna SS
Kawungan SS
Kingston SS
Macleay Island SS
Minimbah SS
Weir SS
Yarrilee SS
Pialba SS
Pimpama State Primary College
Rainbow Beach SS
Richlands East SS
Rasmussen SS
Runcorn Heights SS
Russell Island SS
Sandy Strait SS
Silkstone SS
Torquay SS
Urangan Point SS
Yarrabilba SS