Pallara Archives - Forest Lake News

Local Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Lot Reconfiguration on Ritchie Road

Residents in Pallara are raising concerns over a proposed development at Ritchie Road, which aims to reconfigure a 41,910-square-metre site into 60 residential lots.

Read: Fast-Tracked Developments in Forest Lake and Pallara to Boost Local Housing Options

The proposal for 226 Ritchie Road includes 57 residential lots ranging from 250 to 450 sqm and three lifestyle lots, sparking both support and opposition from locals.

The primary concerns expressed by residents revolve around inadequate infrastructure, potential privacy breaches, and traffic congestion.

One resident voiced their strong objection in a submission to the council, highlighting the area’s infrastructure limitations:

“I oppose this proposal due to the significant infrastructure limitations in the area. There are no footpaths, the roads are narrow and in poor condition. Introducing a large subdivision with additional housing, without any upgrades to infrastructure or public transport, will only exacerbate traffic on the single entry and exit road into Pallara, leading to negative impacts on the current residents.”

One resident expressed concern that if the development proceeds and if two-storey homes are built there, it could negatively impact their mental health, citing that their social anxiety and panic disorder might be triggered by balconies or windows overlooking their property.

Ritchie Road — Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online

While some residents oppose the project outright, a few support the proposal but argue for necessary infrastructure upgrades to address the challenges posed by increased population density.

“I don’t entirely oppose, but we have a big concern about how Hideaway Street will cope with the extra traffic caused by this new development being connected to our estate,” said one resident.

“Unless traffic lights or a roundabout are installed at the intersection of Ritchie Road and Hideaway Street (near the entrance of Hideaway Estate) & Van Dieren Road, it will create a chaotic situation for us existing households.”

Suggestions from concerned locals include widening roads, adding street parking, and enhancing traffic management systems to ease congestion.

Public submissions for feedback on the proposal closed on December 19, but the project remains under review by city officials. Whether the concerns raised by residents will be addressed in the final decision remains to be seen.

Read: New School Planned for Growing Pallara Community Amidst Soaring Enrolment Numbers

For now, Pallara residents await the council’s response, hoping their voices will influence the future of their community.

Published 24-December-2024

Fast-Tracked Developments in Forest Lake and Pallara to Boost Local Housing Options

Two major housing developments in Forest Lake and Pallara have been fast-tracked to help meet the community’s growing need for housing options.

As part of a broader initiative to address Queensland’s housing shortage, these projects aim to deliver terrace homes, small-lot homes, and apartments, with a commitment to ensuring 15 per cent of these homes remain affordable.

The development in Forest Lake will create about 25 homes per hectare, providing a diverse range of housing types to suit different needs. Meanwhile, in Pallara, the development will cover a 3.23-hectare site, with plans for similar housing types.

40, 41, 50, 55 & 60 Woodvale Crescent and 205A Woogaroo Street, Forest Lake
70 & 78 Kraft Road, Pallara

Pallara Housing Development — *Photo Credit: QLDGovt*

Accelerating Development to Meet Community Needs

The fast-tracked nature of these developments is part of a streamlined approval process to speed up the delivery of new homes. By reducing approval times to just 75 business days, these projects are expected to begin construction sooner, providing much-needed housing options for families and individuals.

The developments are located in areas well-connected to essential services such as schools, public transport, and employment opportunities, making them ideal locations for new housing.

GM TFP Pty Ltd is leading the development in Pallara, while Woodvale Crescent Pty Ltd manages the Forest Lake project. These projects are expected to significantly increase the supply of new homes, alleviating some of the pressure in the local housing market.

Forest Lake Housing options — Forest Lake
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Pallara Housing Options — Pallara
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Supporting Local Housing Growth

In parallel with these fast-tracked projects, the Community Housing Futures program provides additional support to housing providers, ensuring they can manage and grow their housing portfolios. This program provides access to grants, training, and expert advice, helping community housing providers to expand their role in delivering more social and affordable homes across Queensland.

Managed by key organisations, including the Community Housing Industry Association (Queensland), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland, and Q Shelter, the program focuses on helping housing providers strengthen their ability to meet local housing needs. This is seen as a critical part of the effort to increase the availability of affordable housing in communities across Queensland, ensuring that housing providers can continue to grow and support residents in need.

The developments are focused on creating well-located homes that are close to key services and amenities, helping to improve the quality of life for residents. The combination of fast-tracked approvals and community-focused support programs aims to ensure that more Queenslanders have access to safe, affordable, and well-connected housing options in the near future.

Published 2-Oct-2024

Open Hands Neighbourhood in Pallara Doubles Capacity to Combat Cost-of-Living Crisis

Photo Credit: Open Hands Community Care/ Facebook

The Open Hands Neighbourhood, a community service enterprise in Pallara that provides cost-of-living assistance to over 600 households weekly, has significantly expanded its operations thanks to support from Carinity.

The Open Hands Neighbourhood Marketplace, operated by The House of Prayer, has unveiled a larger shopfront for its food relief program. The marketplace at 318 Ritchie Road offers discounted food and groceries—up to 75 percent off retail prices—and free food hampers to refugees, migrants, individuals, and families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Enhanced capacity to meet growing demand

*Photo Credit:* *Open Hands Community Care/ Facebook*

Funding from Carinity’s Collaborative Community Projects has enabled the installation of a new demountable building, housing a larger shop with a wider range of grocery products. Sherifaye Kargbo from The House of Prayer stated that the new marketplace is double the size of the previous site, which began assisting people in need in 2020 as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, the number of people supported by Open Hands Neighbourhood Marketplace each week has increased fivefold, with people travelling from as far away as Bundaberg, Morayfield, and the Gold Coast to receive assistance.

Addressing the Cost-of-Living Crisis

The rising cost of living has led to a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking assistance, with 75% more households needing help each week over the past 18 months.

Elders from The House of Prayer and Leeann Enoch, a State Member for Algester, officially opened the new Open Hands Neighbourhood Marketplace shopfront.

Enoch emphasised the importance of Open Hands in providing essential support and food relief to individuals and families and how the new shopfront will enable them to continue their community support in a safe and supportive environment.

The marketplace operates from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday.

Published Date 04-September-2024

New School Planned for Growing Pallara Community Amidst Soaring Enrolment Numbers

The Pallara community, facing a surge in school enrolments, is actively planning for a new high school to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of students in the area.

The Pallara community’s growth has been accompanied by a sharp increase in school enrolments, pressuring current educational facilities to meet the demand.

The Pallara Future School Working Group, established a few years ago, has been pivotal in addressing these challenges. The group, in collaboration with the Department of Education, local school principals, P&Cs, and government representatives, is pushing for an independent evaluation of student numbers.

This initiative aims to secure a definitive plan for a new school in Pallara, ensuring the community’s educational infrastructure can cope with the expected growth.

Community Mobilisation and Support

Community support is crucial for moving forward with the educational developments in Pallara. Local residents are encouraged to participate by signing a petition either online or through physical forms distributed by supporters within the community.

The initiative seeks to gather widespread backing to affirm the need for a new high school, which will enhance educational opportunities and ensure that the future generations of Pallara have adequate learning environments.

Statewide Educational Trends

According to a recent analysis, several of Queensland’s primary schools, including Pallara State School, are set to experience substantial enrolment increases by 2027. Pallara State School alone anticipates an uptick of 472 students, bringing the total to 1600.

This trend is reflected across various schools in the Southeast, highlighting a broader regional need for expanded educational facilities.

The Queensland government is proactive in its approach to the looming capacity crisis in schools. With new schools planned and expansions underway, there is a concerted effort to ensure that all state schools, including those in Pallara, are equipped to handle the forecasted growth.

A Department of Education spokesman highlighted the government’s readiness to adapt to changing forecasts and provide necessary infrastructure enhancements to support student needs across the region.

Published 20-June-2024

Pallara Home’s Drain Pipe Blockage Reveals Interesting Find

A homeowner in Pallara had to call for help for what seemed to be a drain pipe blockage causing a water overflow from his roof. Thinking he would find a pile of rotting leaves, he checked and guess what he found?

Inside the drainpipe was a non-venomous Coastal Carpet Python. Bryce Lockett from Snake Catchers Brisbane and Gold Coast was asked to remove the reptile. The anxious homeowner was floored to learn that it was about 2.5 metres long.

“He was extremely surprised a large 2.5 metre python could fit in such a small space,” Mr Lockett said in the footage of the snake’s removal that went viral on TikTok with over 1.4 million views.

Coastal Carpet Python is common in Queensland’s rainforests and dry woodlands. Their diet is mostly rodents and possums, but they can also prey on suburban pets like cats, dogs and birds. Though non-venomous, their bites may cause substantial lacerations or punctures.

“Just remember in Queensland a blocked down pipe isn’t always from leaves,” Mr Lockett wrote in the captions.

The Coastal Carpet Python was safely relocated to nearby bushland. Mr Lockett, who has been catching snakes for 11 years, said he loves the job because “no two days are the same”.

@brycegrylls Just remember in Queensland a blocked down pipe isn’t always from leaves! #snakecatcher #fyp #python #australia ♬ Power – Interupt

Published 5 April 2023

Building Expansion Can’t Keep Pace with Pallara State School Enrolment Surge

Construction delays at one of Queensland’s fastest-growing schools, Pallara State School, can’t keep pace with the rapid growth of student enrollment. Due to this increased demand and current overcapacity, some parents have expressed concerns that their children might not have classrooms when the new school term starts.

Following the opening of Pallara State School in 2016, several housing developments around the area have pushed the Department of Education to prioritise the school’s expansion.

In June 2022, the Queensland Government’s 2022 to 2023 budget included the delivery of $4.4 million for more classrooms. However, the new buildings apparently won’t be ready until late March 2023, per a spokesperson.

Instead, the Department of Education will be setting up alternative classrooms until the actual buildings become operational. But some parents feel this solution will affect their children’s learning despite assurances that these temporary spaces will have classrooms and play areas conducive to learning.

An official from Pallara State School said that if the new buildings are already installed, the school could accept 1,260 students as opposed to the current maximum enrolment capacity of 1,142 students.

Would Public Transport Be Able To Keep Pace With Pallara’s Booming Population?

Pallara may be one of Brisbane’s fastest-growing suburbs, but sadly, public transport and other infrastructure and amenities have been lagging for years, much to the frustration of its residents.

Residents say that it has been five years since developments in the area were approved. Families were encouraged to move into the newly created suburb of Pallara with the prospects of future facilities including shops and public transport being available to the locals soon. They are, however, yet to see these amenities delivered to their community.

Particularly, Pallara residents have long been campaigning for their own public bus service. A petition launched last year highlighted the concerns of parents over their children’s safety with “so much movement with developments” in the area and the main road being used by motorists to access alternate suburbs.

Recently, Councillor Angela Owen confirmed that there will be six new permanent bus stops that will be built by summer this year in Pallara, following its agreement with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to install a new bus route in this booming suburb.

Three pairs of new bus stops will be built at Pallara by summer, and two of these stops will be installed at Brookbent Road. Another pair will be located at Ritchie Road, near where the old Pallara State School was once situated, whilst the two other stops will be built close to the new Pallara State School.

The current route 126 (Mitchell St, Acacia Ridge East to Zamia St, Sunnybank Plaza) will be realigned and then extended to run along Mains Road and also south to Ritchie Road. This change will provide a bus route to Sunnybank Plaza and CBD connections and even further south to Heathwood.

The Council initially wanted to fast-track the project by installing temporary bus stops but TMR was requiring permanent bus shelters that are federal accessibility and Australian laws compliant before the 126 bus service could be extended.

This was underscored by TMR through a letter sent to Councillor Ryan Murphy, council’s Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport, stating that Translink supported the business case for the amended bus route and is ready to implement the new services subject to the bus stop requirements.

Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch confirmed that Council has agreed to the requirements and plans to deliver at least six bus stops in the interim to facilitate the extension of route 126 bus services to Pallara. Residents are to see some construction activities commencing in the coming months. Other stops are expected to be delivered after the bus services are already in place.

Six New and Permanent Pallara Bus Stops Ready By December 2022

The commute for residents in the south will be easier by December 2022 when six new, disability-compliant, permanent Pallara bus stops will be constructed and installed in the suburb.

Initially, two of these bus stops are going to be installed along Brookbent Rd and Ritchie Rd near the old site of the Pallara State School. A third bus stop will be installed at the new Pallara State School’s site.

These installations will compound on the 803 Pallara school bus service whilst bus 126 will be rerouted to take Main Rd and extend towards the south of Ritchie Rd. This will enable Pallara residents to get to Sunnybank Plaza and connect to their other destinations, including the CBD.

The other three new Pallara bus stops will still undergo a route mapping to determine the best locations.

Cr Angela Owen said she has lobbied for these buses amidst funding delays from the State Government. She has requested Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner “to fast track delivery of some permanent bus stops” after Translink agreed to the business case.

A Council spokesperson said that they previously submitted four business cases that were rejected by the State Government.

MP for Algester Leeanne Enoch also confirmed that buses will be built in Pallara in the next few months after many of the residents, especially school children, were forced to take an Uber to school.

Pallara resident Sam Spaliviero started a petition for the bus services nearly a year ago, which has received nearly900 supporters. She stated that buses were included in the plans when the new Pallara estates were launched in 2016. Pallara has been growing with new residents and businesses since then.

“Residents, business hubs, commuters and family/friends have no way of connecting in and out of our suburb unless you walk 7 plus kilometres through terrain of unpathed streets and main connecting road heavily under construction with road closures, trucks, work vehicles, workers and road which has been patch worked. This is not a safe journey for people of Pallara to endure,” Spaliviero said.

Mixed Reactions To Proposed Shopping Centre In Pallara

Plans to build a shopping centre on Gooderham Rd in Pallara would likely be delayed. Queensland Investment Corporation, who owns Forest Lake Shopping Centre, has objected to the proposal which has also drawn mixed reactions from locals.

Read: Brisbane Parks and Reserves Identified for Future Mountain Bike Trails

According to a letter sent to ratepayers on 9 December 2021, Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) had objected to BluePoint Property’s plans for the new shopping centre located at 201 Gooderham Rd, Pallara.

QIC owns Forest Lake Shopping Centre, which is around 3 kilometers away from Pallara. Cr Owen, whose ward covers the fast-developing suburb, revealed in the letter that by objecting, QIC now has the legal right to appeal Council’s approval. This means the construction of the shopping centre would likely be delayed.

“The proposed development conflicts with the Strategic Framework of the Planning Scheme, Rural Zone Code and the Willawong Neighbourhood Plan Code. The scale and intensity of the proposed uses are considered to exceed the demand for those anticipated for the site under the Planning Scheme and expectations of projected rapid population growth,” QIC has written in a submission to BCC.

Based on plans (A005772656) submitted to the Brisbane City Council, BluePoint Property is seeking to build a new shopping centre with a range of centre activity uses, including food and drink outlets, health care service, indoor sport and recreation, offices and shops.

Based on the plans, the total gross floor area of the shopping centre will be 6,797 sqm. According to QIC, this size exceeds the threshold of 4,000 sqm previously considered for a neighbourhood centre on the site.

Pallara Common artist's rendition — Pallara Common (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Locals’ Feedback

The development application has received mixed reactions from residents, with some residents supporting the plan and some a bit uncertain about it because of traffic concerns.

“The report did not assess the impact to AM peak. Increase in turning movements onto Pallara Ave coupled with greater proportion of egress movements from Pallara Ave onto Gooderham Rd potentially have increased delay,” said one resident who supports the proposal but has some traffic concerns which were not allegedly not addressed in the applicant’s submitted traffic statement.

Pallara shopping centre site — Subject site (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

“The traffic report indicates that the 294 car parks is less than the recommended 322 parks according to the TAPS Planning Scheme Policy. This reduction is explained away because of the varying usages of tenancies, but it doesn’t appear to consider that this would be the only neighbourhood center to service Pallara and is likely to attract increased usage from residents who currently commute outside of the suburb for shopping purposes,” said another local.

On a positive note, those who supported the new shopping centre believe it will create hundreds of jobs for locals and families will also be able to walk to the shops which will reduce the amount of traffic in the area.

“The elderly residents and young children of Pallara who are unable to travel to other suburbs, and are at high risk of isolation, will have access to food and drink outlets; health care services; sports and recreation facilities; shopping facilities; and veterinary services,” said one resident who approves of the plan.

To stay updated about the status of this proposed development, see DA-A005772656.

BCC Funds Allocation for Forest Lake, Other Southwest Suburbs Road Projects Revealed

The Council has allocated funds under its 2019-20 Budget for several road projects for Brisbane’s southwest suburbs including Forest Lake, Ellen Grove, Richlands, Pallara, and Inala.

Out of the $3.15 billion budget, the Brisbane City Council will spend $818 million for infrastructure projects that will help ease congestion including major intersection upgrades, projects to combat congestion, and road resurfacing.

“Team Schrinner is investing $818 million to help get residents home quicker and safer,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

Some key highlights of the Council infrastructure projects budget allocation, according to Lord Mayor Schrinner, include key corridor upgrades at Kingsford Smith Drive with additional lanes, as well as intersection upgrade projects which will include Camp Hill, Runcorn, Nundah, Middle Park, and South Brisbane.

Budget allocation for Southwest suburbs Forest Lake, Ellen Grove, Richlands, Inala, and Pallara infrastructure project:

Roads Network Resurfacing	Suburb	Proposed $000
Grand Avenue	Forest Lake	160
Joseph Banks Avenue	Forest Lake	215
June Court	Ellen Grove	33
Muriel Avenue	Ellen Grove	123
Pauline Avenue	Ellen Grove	68
Wedgetail Street	Inala	161
Acer Street	Inala	49
Aquarius Street	Inala	60
Clematis Street	Inala	108
Goldfinch Street	Inala	182
Lepus Street	Inala	45
Magnolia Street	Inala	135
Wedgetail Street	Inala	161
Freeman Road	Richlands	503
Kimberley Street	Richlands	55
Blunder Road	Pallara	278

Congestion Busting Projects	Suburb	Proposed $000
Inala Avenue at Blunder Road	Inala	619
Progress Rd at Archerfield Rd	Richlands	540

Major Traffic Improvements – Intersections	Suburb	Proposed $000
Azalea Street/Eugenia Street	Inala	201

*Source: Annual Plan and Budget Brisbane City Council

Council will also allocate funds for the construction of dedicated river walks and bikeways. This will include a $1.6-million budget allocation to provide safer paths to schools and a $25.5-million investment on bikeway links in Nudgee, Murarrie, Wakerley and Wishart as well as the construction of Botanic Gardens Riverwalk.

Other fund allocations include the $24.6-million for the Wynnum Road corridor upgrade project and $24.8 million to complete the Murphy and Ellison roads roundabout upgrade in Geebung. Lastly, Council have also committed $40 million towards the construction of Lindum Open Level Crossing.