34-Lot Residential Subdivision Proposed in Pallara

A proposed 34-lot residential subdivision at 212 Wadeville Street in Pallara has been lodged, detailing new road access, service connections, and land dedication for road widening.



New Residential Development in Pallara

A development application has been submitted to reconfigure one lot into 34 residential lots at 212 Wadeville Street, Pallara. The proposal, lodged on 4 August 2025 under application number A006830487, is currently in progress with Brisbane City Council.

The application was lodged by JCV Developments Pty Ltd, with DTS Group QLD as the planning consultant.

Pallara development
Photo Credit: DA/A006830487

Project Details and Layout

The proposed subdivision covers a total area of 16,187 square metres and includes the creation of 34 individual lots, a new 14-metre-wide local road, and a 4.2-metre land dedication for the widening of Wadeville Street.

Lot sizes range from 293 square metres to 1,091 square metres, accommodating future small-lot dwellings that comply with the Low-Medium Density Residential (LMR2) zoning, which allows up to three storeys.

The new road network will connect Maldon Street and Bilson Street, extending the existing residential grid and linking the site to surrounding redevelopments in Pallara.

Infrastructure and Servicing

All proposed lots will be connected to water, sewer, electricity, and telecommunications. Waste management will use individual kerbside bins and shared collection pads for select lots.

The proposal notes that all new lots meet or exceed the City Plan’s minimum allotment standards for the LMR2 zone.

Brisbane housing
Photo Credit: DA/A006830487

Site and Planning Context

The development sits within the Lower Oxley Creek South Neighbourhood Plan. The site currently contains a dwelling and associated structures, which will be removed to make way for the subdivision.

The design aligns with the established residential character of Pallara and contributes to ongoing housing development in the suburb’s southern corridor.

Application Progress

According to Brisbane City Council records, the subdivision application has passed the Properly Made stage and an Information Request was sent on 9 September 2025. The application remains with the customer as of early October 2025.

The development is subject to code assessment, meaning no public notification is required.

What Comes Next



Once all information requirements are met, the proposal will move to the decision stage. If approved, the development will expand Pallara’s residential network and provide additional housing opportunities within the planned growth area.

Published 8-Oct-2025

New Development Plan Proposes Childcare Centre and Homes for Doolandella

A development application proposes a childcare centre and new housing on land in Doolandella.


Read: Doolandella Neighbours Team Up to Sell Acreage Properties to Developers


The application (A006831357) concerns 66 Crossacres Street, where a 10,185-square-metre block has been identified for subdivision and the construction of a childcare centre. The design, prepared by Raunik Design Group, outlines a single-storey facility with space for 165 children, alongside 11 new residential lots and supporting infrastructure.

The childcare centre would occupy a 4,000-square-metre lot fronting Crossacres Street, with direct access for both staff and visitors. Plans show a maximum height of 7.64 metres, a gross floor area of 1,159.6 square metres, and a site cover of 29 per cent. The existing dwelling and outbuildings on the property would be demolished to make way for the development.

Doolandella
Artist’s impression of proposed childcare centre and subdivision of lot (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online)

Subdivision details show 11 residential lots ranging in size from 312 to 368 square metres. A 600-square-metre drainage lot is also included, along with a new road reserve connecting to Paddington Street.

The planning report supporting the application highlights demand for childcare services in the area. Analysis by Business Geographics found that the catchment could sustainably support an additional 160 to 220 childcare places through to 2031, and concluded that the area is undersupplied.

childcare centre
Childcare centre plans (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online)

The report also notes that the neighbourhood centre at the corner of Crossacres Street and Blunder Road has been absorbed into a shopping complex, leaving no space there for a purpose-built childcare facility.

If approved, the centre would add 165 places to local childcare capacity. The existing dwelling at the site will also be demolished if plans receive the green light. The residential component is presented in the planning documents as a response to housing supply and choice in a market described as undersupplied.


Read: Doolandella: Among the Most Affordable & Liveable Suburbs for Houses in Brisbane


The design includes a drainage lot to address stormwater management and a new road reserve to improve local connectivity.

The application will be assessed against Brisbane’s planning framework, with community submissions and feedback considered before any final decision is made.

Published 3-October-2025

Community Action and Wide Brims: Your Toolkit for Magpie Season in Forest Lake

Brisbane residents in hotspots like Forest Lake are learning to navigate the annual challenge of sharing their suburbs with protective magpie fathers, as this year’s swooping season sees a spike in defensive encounters.



The Annual Springtime Standoff

magpie
Photo Credit: Australian Museum

As spring breathes life into the city, it also signals the start of a familiar dance between humans and birdlife. The magpie breeding season is now in full swing, an annual period between July and January when some male birds become fiercely protective. 

According to recent data from Brisbane City Council, Forest Lake has emerged as one of the key suburbs for these encounters this season, alongside Wakerley, Carindale, Oxley and Bald Hills. This seasonal pattern is well-documented, with areas like New Farm and Brighton having topped the list for reports over the past year.

Understanding Your Protective Neighbour

magpie
Photo Credit: Australian Museum

Before you label the magpie an aggressive pest, behavioural ecologists encourage a change in perspective. An expert from BirdLife Australia, Sean Dooley, clarified that it’s a very small fraction of male magpies, about one in ten, that engage in swooping. Emeritus Professor Darryl Jones, a magpie expert, explained that these birds are simply acting on parental instinct. 

They perceive fast-moving people, especially cyclists, as potential predators threatening their nest, much like they would a goanna or a snake. Their swoop is a defensive manoeuvre, the act of a father trying to keep his family safe. This protective instinct is what has made birds like the “Guardian of Viola Place” near the Brisbane Airport a local legend among cyclists who frequent the path.

A Guide to Peaceful Coexistence

magpie
Photo Credit: Australian Museum

The key to navigating the season isn’t aggression, but awareness. For cyclists, who are the most common targets, staying calm and in control of the bike is the most crucial first step, as a fall can cause more harm than a bird. Cycling advocacy groups suggest practical gear like helmets fitted with a wide brim, such as those from Da Brim, and wrap-around sunglasses can offer effective protection for the head and eyes. 

While some people swear by adding cable ties or fake eyes to their helmets, experts suggest these methods have little proven effect. For pedestrians, simply choosing to walk in a group, carrying an umbrella, or avoiding known nesting areas during the peak months of September and October can make all the difference.



Community Watch and Common Sense

Photo Credit: Magpie Alert

Brisbane residents have developed a strong community-led approach to keeping each other informed. Locals are encouraged to log any swooping incidents on the website Magpie Alert, creating a real-time map that helps others plan safer routes.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner also stressed the importance of community reporting, stating that when residents inform the council of a swooping bird, it allows them to monitor the situation and install warning signs for others. In some cases involving particularly persistent birds, the council has stepped in to relocate them, moving more than 41 birds in the last financial year alone. Ultimately, these birds are a valued part of Brisbane’s biodiversity, and learning to share our space is key.

Published Date 15-September-2025

New Chi Link Massage Store Brings Relaxation and Wellbeing to Inala

Inala Plaza has welcomed a new addition to its health and wellbeing offering, with Chi Link Massage opening its first location at the centre.


Read: Breadtop Brings Fresh Flavours to Inala Plaza with New Bakery


The new venue is led by Helen Wang, an experienced massage therapist with more than a decade in the industry. She said opening at Inala Plaza was a natural choice.

Photo supplied

“Our Inala Plaza team includes therapists who live in the surrounding community, making this store opening especially meaningful as it allows them to serve their own neighbourhood,” Ms Wang said.

Photo supplied

Ms Wang, who began her career as an aesthetician before specialising in massage therapy, said her goal was simple. “I am driven by the joy of making people happy and helping them feel better. Relieving people’s pain and making a positive impact on their health is everything to me.”

The clinic offers a range of treatments including neck and shoulder massages, remedial-style back and shoulder therapies, foot detoxes and reflexology. Other options include relaxation, hot stone, cupping, and detox treatments, with private health insurance rebates available for eligible remedial services.

Photo supplied

To mark its opening, Chi Link Massage is offering a 10% discount on all services until 14 September, alongside special introductory packages. Deals include a 10-minute neck and shoulders massage for $10 (normally $20), and a 60-minute deluxe hot stone whole body oil massage for $90 (normally $125).

Inala Plaza Marketing Director Donna O’Neill said the store was a welcome addition to the centre. “The new Chi Link Massage store is beautifully fitted out, has a great team of therapists and offers a wonderful range of services and products. Helen and her team bring a great energy to the centre that we are looking forward to welcoming to Inala Plaza.”


Read: New Inala Study Hub: Bringing University Education Closer to Home


Chi Link Massage Inala Plaza is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with extended trading until 7:00 pm on Thursdays.

Published 10-September-2025

What’s Brisbane’s Top Dog? New Data Shows Labradors and Charlies Rule, with Forest Lake a Key Hotspot

With nearly 1,900 registered dogs, Forest Lake has been named Brisbane’s third most popular suburb for pet ownership in new data that also crowned the Labrador as the city’s favourite breed.



The registration figures, released for the last financial year, offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s neighbourhoods and the pets that make them feel like home.

What Makes a Dog Hotspot?

Labradors
Photo Credit: Down Under Dog Parks

The numbers show that some suburbs are clear favourites for Brisbane’s 106,026 registered dogs. Topping the list is Bracken Ridge in the city’s north, with 2,124 registered pups. It was followed closely by The Gap with 1,971 dogs, while Forest Lake proved its status as a premier destination for pet owners, claiming third place with an impressive 1,877 registered dogs. Suburbs like Wynnum and Ashgrove also ranked in the top ten, suggesting that access to parks, community spaces, and a family-friendly atmosphere are key factors for Brisbane’s dog lovers.

These figures paint a picture of communities built for companionship, where a walk in the park is as much for the four-legged residents as it is for their human neighbours.

The City’s Breed of Choice

Across all Brisbane suburbs, the data shows a clear preference for classic, family-friendly breeds. The Labrador Retriever remains the city’s undisputed favourite, with 9,017 registered dogs. This choice reflects a city that values an active, outdoor lifestyle perfectly suited to the Labrador’s temperament.

Also popular are the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, with 7,250 registrations, and the intelligent Border Collie, with 6,752. While poodle-crosses remain a common sight, the official numbers show that Brisbane’s residents lean towards these timeless purebred companions. Other breeds in the top ten include the Golden Retriever, Australian Kelpie, and the small but spirited Dachshund.

A Tale of Two Naming Trends

Labradors
Photo Credit: Pexels

When it comes to names, Brisbane owners blend the traditional with the trendy. The classic name Charlie fetched the top spot with 1,211 registrations, proving some names never go out of style. Other perennial favourites like Bella (1,034) and Coco (920) also filled out the top three.

However, the data also highlights the massive cultural footprint of the beloved Brisbane-made cartoon, Bluey. More than 400 families paid tribute to the show, naming their dogs Chilli (190), Bandit (102), Bluey (65), or Bingo (55). This trend sits alongside a wonderfully creative streak, with some of the city’s most unique names including Jabba the Mutt, Starvin Marvin McLovin, and Ziggy Stardust the Third.



Keeping Our Furry Neighbours Safe

Beyond the fun of names and breeds, council officials stressed the importance of the registration data. City standards committee chair, Councillor Sarah Hutton, said that registering and microchipping pets is vital for keeping them safe. She explained that the registration fees directly fund community programs and facilities that benefit both pets and their owners, helping to make Brisbane an even better place for our furry friends to live.

Published Date 08-September-2025

Inala Leads Brisbane in Feral Cat Numbers

Did you know that BCC data shows three times as many feral cats trapped in Inala compared with its nearest neighbouring suburbs?



Cat Complaints on the Rise

Brisbane City Council data shows 804 feral cats were trapped across the city in the past financial year, with Inala alone accounting for 135. The figure placed the suburb far ahead of Richlands, which recorded 46. 

Photo Credit: Mathias Reding/Pexels

Complaints to council included 579 about feral cats and 91 about wandering domestic pets. Council officers also issued 58 infringements to owners whose cats were found roaming.

A Community Concern

Inala’s ranking highlights a broader challenge for families and pet owners in the southwest. The suburb also featured in council’s list of top areas for wandering cats, alongside Acacia Ridge and Bracken Ridge. Officials said most owners were responsible, but unrestrained or feral cats could damage local wildlife and disrupt households. 

Photo Credit: Jimmy Chan/Pexels

They stressed that cats must be microchipped before 12 weeks of age or when rehomed, but the RSPCA reported that about 70 per cent of animals arriving at its Brisbane facility were not chipped.

Local Laws and Leash Walking

Brisbane City Council confirmed that residents, including those in Inala, are allowed to walk their cats on a leash, a rule that has long been in place. Cats must still be contained on their owner’s property to stop roaming and protect neighbours and wildlife. 

The clarification followed a petition calling for cats to have the same walking rights as dogs. That proposal also sought designated areas for leashed cats, plus microchipping and education programs to support responsible ownership.

Impact on Wildlife

The Invasive Species Council has identified feral cats as the single biggest threat to Australia’s mammals, responsible for more extinctions than any other invasive animal. For Inala and surrounding suburbs such as Darra, Runcorn, and Willawong, the concern extends beyond neighbourhood complaints to protecting native species. 



Council representatives said cats were part of many families and that responsible ownership was vital to keep pets safe while protecting Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle.

Published 02-September-2025

IGA Local Grocer Forest Lake Celebrated with Community Awards

IGA Local Grocer Forest Lake has been recognised by the community it serves, winning multiple honours at the 2025 Inala Electorate Small Business Awards.



A Community’s Choice

Forest Lake residents have placed their trust and votes behind their local grocer, with IGA Local Grocer Forest Lake taking home three awards at this year’s Inala Electorate Small Business Awards. 

The family-run store was named Small Business of the Year, while also receiving first place in the Community Support category and second place in Retail and Sales. The awards were determined by community nominations followed by an online voting process.

Owners Harshi and Vijay expressed their gratitude to customers, saying they are thankful for the ongoing support that has helped the store become a cornerstone of Forest Lake.

Photo Credit: MargieNightingaleMP/Facebook

More Than Just a Supermarket

Located at 120 Woogaroo Street, Forest Lake, the IGA Local Grocer serves as more than a place to shop for groceries. The store offers a wide range of services, including takeaway meals, a gold lotto counter, dry cleaning, ATM facilities, and newspapers. Customers also have access to fresh flowers, ready meals, and weekly specials through the IGA catalogue.

With extended trading hours from early morning through the evening, the store has built its reputation on being a convenient and welcoming stop for locals. Many residents have noted the friendly service and family atmosphere as reasons they continue to return.

Community Roots in Forest Lake

Forest Lake, a suburb located just over 20 kilometres southwest of Brisbane’s CBD, is known for its strong community identity. The suburb was one of Brisbane’s first master-planned communities and is home to more than 22,000 residents. 

At the heart of this setting, businesses such as IGA Local Grocer play a role not only in providing essential goods but also in shaping the social fabric of the area.

Continuing the Story

Winning three awards does not mark the end of the journey for the Forest Lake grocer. For its owners, the recognition is motivation to keep refining what the store offers and to keep investing in the relationships that sustain it. It is the kind of small business story that reminds locals why supporting independent shops matters: the transactions may be simple, but the impact on community life is lasting.



Published 19-Aug-2025

Parkinson Couple Lost Just Days Apart Following Johnson Road Collision

A heartbreaking tragedy has left the Parkinson community mourning the loss of a devoted couple whose nearly six-decade marriage came to a devastating end following a multi-vehicle collision on Johnson Road in July.



Margret and James ‘Jimmy’ Fagan, who had been married for almost 60 years, both lost their lives following the crash that occurred on 16 July when their white Kia Seltos collided with a white Renault van and an MG ZST travelling in the opposite direction.

The couple were both transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in serious condition. Jimmy passed away on the night of the accident, whilst Margret fought bravely for 11 days before succumbing to her injuries on 1 August, surrounded by her family.

Their daughter Julie shared that her parents had been teenage sweethearts who married in Paisley, Scotland, in 1968 when Margret was 18 and Jimmy was 17. The young family made the courageous decision to migrate to Australia in 1972, bringing their two daughters to start a new life.

Julie described her parents as hardworking individuals who provided a stable foundation for their family. She recalled Jimmy as a respected figure who was looked up to by his siblings as the eldest of five, whilst Margret was the heart of the household, later taking on part-time work where she formed lasting friendships.

A particularly treasured family memory was a trip to Fiji organised seven years ago to celebrate the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary, where they renewed their vows in a special ceremony.

The couple leaves behind four daughters, three granddaughters, and two great-granddaughters, all of whom are struggling with the enormous loss.

Beyond their family, the Fagans were active members of the local sporting community, participating in the Lions Football Club, Algester Sports Club, and the Durack-Inala Bowls Club. Their involvement in these organisations demonstrated their commitment to community engagement and social connection.

Durack-Inala Bowls Club president Phillip noted how deeply the loss had affected club members. The club observed a period of mourning with arm bands worn by members and flags flying at half-mast the weekend following the accident, with similar honours planned for the couple’s funeral service.

The funeral service was held yesterday at Centenary Memorial Gardens, where hundreds of family members and friends gathered to pay their final respects to the beloved couple.

This tragedy contributes to concerning road safety statistics across Queensland. In 2024, 302 people were killed on Queensland roads, making it the worst year on Queensland roads since 2009, according to the Queensland Government. The source data from the original incident indicates that as of early August 2025, Queensland had recorded 178 crash fatalities, representing an increase from the previous year and above the five-year average.

Police investigations into the multi-vehicle collision continue, with two other people having sustained injuries in the crash. Authorities are appealing for anyone with CCTV footage or dashcam vision of the incident to contact Policelink to assist with their inquiries.



The loss of Margret and Jimmy Fagan serves as a sobering reminder of the precious nature of life and the devastating impact road crashes have on families and communities. Their legacy of love, hard work, and community spirit will be remembered by all who knew them.

Published 16-August-2025

Two Puppies Stolen from Calamvale Property in Brazen Early Morning Theft

A Calamvale family faced every pet owner’s nightmare this week when two women broke into their Perkins Street home and attempted to steal four Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross puppies.



The incident occurred around 6am on Monday morning when the pair entered the residence and tried to take all four puppies, which were just four weeks old. In a desperate struggle to protect the vulnerable animals, a resident of the home managed to wrestle two of the puppies back from the thieves.

However, the women successfully fled the scene with the remaining two puppies, driving away in a vehicle before police could arrive.

The theft has prompted an urgent appeal from Queensland Police, who are now investigating the case and calling for the safe return of the stolen animals. Police have confirmed they are seeking information about the whereabouts of the two four-week-old Staffy cross puppies.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the puppies’ location to come forward, emphasising that the young animals can be safely returned to any police station or handed in to a veterinary clinic without questions asked.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about pet theft in Brisbane’s southern suburbs. Four-week-old puppies are particularly vulnerable as they are still dependent on their mother and require specialised care for proper development.

Community members with any information about this theft are encouraged to contact Policelink online or by calling 131 444. Police stress that even small details could prove crucial in reuniting these puppies with their family.



The Calamvale community has rallied around the affected family, with local residents expressing shock that such a brazen theft could occur in broad daylight in their neighbourhood.

Published 12-August-2025