Richlands Archives - Forest Lake News

Murder and Torture Charges Laid After Death in Richlands

A 31-year-old Birkdale man has been charged with murder, torture, armed robbery, and kidnapping following the death of a 52-year-old man in Richlands last Sunday.

The incident, which involved the brutal assault of three men, shocked the local community and sparked a major police investigation.

The deceased man from Richlands was transported to Logan Hospital around 12:30 am on Monday with severe head injuries, accompanied by two friends who had also been assaulted. Detective Inspector Chris Knight revealed that the true extent of the victim’s injuries, particularly the damage to his brain, only became clear upon medical examination.

Despite being transferred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital for specialist care, the man tragically succumbed to his injuries within 24 hours.

The two other victims sustained a range of injuries, including bruising, lacerations, a broken leg, and serious facial injuries.

Police investigations suggest that the three victims initially encountered a group, which allegedly included the accused, in Inala around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. It is alleged the victims were then forcibly taken to various locations and subjected to hours of violent assault before being returned to their vehicles.

Detective Inspector Knight described the level of violence inflicted as exceeding “normal expectations” in such cases, highlighting its unusual and disturbing nature. He confirmed that police suspect a degree of planning and organisation in the attacks, suggesting the meeting was pre-arranged with the intent to extort and rob the victims.

While not ruling out the possibility of organised crime involvement, Knight stated that police believe the victims and offenders were connected either directly or through a third party.

Police are seeking a silver 2008 XF Jaguar sedan in connection with the fatal assault. This follows the earlier recovery of the victim’s dark-grey Toyota RAV4. Authorities are appealing for anyone with information about the Jaguar to contact Crime Stoppers.

Published Date 13-Jan-2025

Richlands’ Brisbane South Toy Library Takes Home WasteSMART Community Award

Brisbane South Toy Library, a vibrant community-focused not-for-profit organisation based in Richlands, has been honoured with the WasteSMART Community Award.

Read: Pallara State School Receives WasteSMART Award for Environmental Initiatives

The award, sponsored by Containers for Change QLD, recognises exceptional efforts in waste prevention, reduction, and education by community groups.

Photo credit: Brisbane South Toy Library/Facebook

The organisation celebrated the momentous achievement with a heartfelt Facebook post:

“It was a ‘pinch me’ moment today when we found out we had won the #WasteSMART award. Thank you to our maintenance team leaders Robyn and Andrea (pictured left) for their consistent dedication to sustainable practices, to all of our volunteers for their hard work, and of course our members who continue to choose ‘borrowing over buying.’”

A Community-Driven Legacy

Photo credit: Brisbane South Toy Library/Facebook

The toy library began as a humble idea sparked by a backyard conversation between neighbours. Determined to make a difference, the founders called on the community to donate toys. With the support of the Forest Lake Salvation Army, the toy library opened its doors on 26 February 2019, as the Forest Lake Toy Library.

Richlands Community Centre (Photo credit: Brisbane South Toy Library/Facebook)

By late 2019, the library had gained significant traction. With growing membership and community support, they incorporated as Brisbane South Toy Library and relocated to a larger space at the Richlands Community Centre to better serve the community’s needs.

Reducing Waste, One Toy at a Time

The toy library has become a pioneer in sustainability, actively redirecting pre-loved toys from landfill. Their dedicated team of 55 volunteers has processed over 1.5 tonnes of donated toys in the past year alone. Many of these toys have been restored and rehomed through the library, while those beyond repair have been sent to recycling centres.

In addition, they have removed and recycled over 20kg of batteries from toys, showcasing their commitment to reducing environmental impact.

More Than Just Toys

Offering over 2,000 toys, they cater to a wide range of interests, from educational puzzles and imaginative playsets to outdoor ride-ons and construction toys. Families can save money and reduce their environmental footprint by borrowing instead of buying, fostering a sustainable mindset in the community.

Visit the Toy Library

Located at 75 Old Progress Rd, Richlands, Queensland 4077 (parking via Orchard Road entrance), the Toy Library is a proof of what communities can achieve when they come together with purpose.

Read: Richlands Manufacturing Site Receives Major Investment Boost

With their WasteSMART Community Award win, the toy library proves that sustainability, creativity, and community spirit can make a lasting impact.

Published 30-December-2024

Once Ashleigh Barty’s Training Ground, Richlands Site Embraces Industry

On a quiet stretch of Archerfield Road in Richlands lies a place that once echoed with the sounds of tennis balls and the shouts of aspiring athletes. This was the West Brisbane Tennis Centre, where Ashleigh Barty, Australia’s tennis prodigy, spent countless hours honing her skills under the watchful eye of coach Jim Joyce.

Today, the scene is unrecognisable. The courts have been replaced by rows of parked cars, the sound of industry filling the air where dreams of Grand Slam victories once took root.

West Brisbane Tennis Centre in Richlands — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

A Sporting Legacy Fades

For almost two decades, 227 Archerfield Road was synonymous with tennis. It was a community hub where young players gathered, inspired by the promise of a bright future in sports. Among them was Ms Barty, whose journey from Richlands to world No. 1 began on those very courts.

In 2022, the tennis centre closed its gates for the final time. Before it did, Ms Barty and Mr Joyce held a small farewell event, reminiscing about the years spent there. Mr Joyce later described that day as one of the most memorable moments of his life, a bittersweet goodbye to a chapter that shaped not only careers but also the area’s identity.

The Shift to Industry

The transformation of the site began with its sale to Kingsmede, a private investment company, in 2021. With the property spanning over 20,000 square metres, its potential as industrial land was quickly realised.

By 2023, Council approved the development of a multi-unit industrial estate. The plans include warehouse and office spaces ranging from 700 to 1,400 square metres, designed to cater to the growing demand for industrial facilities in Richlands.

Plans to redevelop the West Brisbane Tennis Centre in Richlands — *Photo Credit: DA A006047178*

The site’s proximity to the Centenary Highway, Ipswich Motorway, and Logan Motorway makes it a prime location for businesses needing efficient transport links.

Reflections of the Past

Today, little remains of the tennis centre’s former glory. An old, weathered sign reading “West Brisbane Tennis Centre” still hangs on Archerfield Road, a quiet nod to the site’s sporting history.

For many in Richlands, it’s a poignant reminder of how much the area has changed—and how much more it will change in the years to come.

Published 24-Dec-2024

Richlands Manufacturing Site Receives Major Investment Boost

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia (CCEP) has unveiled significant investments in its Richlands manufacturing facility, demonstrating a strong commitment to local production and innovation.

A recent $22.2 million investment has upgraded an existing can line, enhancing its efficiency and capacity to meet growing consumer demand for canned beverages. This upgraded line can now produce up to 2,000 cans per minute, including popular brands like Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Sprite, and Mount Franklin Lightly Sparkling.

Building on this momentum, CCEP has announced an additional $75 million investment to construct a new can line dedicated to producing Monster Energy Company products. Slated for completion in mid-2025, this state-of-the-art facility will leverage advanced technology to boost production capabilities and create new job opportunities in the region.

Orlando Rodriguez, Managing Director of CCEP Australia, emphasised the importance of local manufacturing in Queensland. He said that CCEP’s significant investments in the Richlands facility underscore their dedication to delivering beverages efficiently and sustainably to Queensland. These upgrades will enhance productivity, safety, and environmental impact, aligning with their core business principles.

The upgraded can line is expected to conserve significant water and energy resources. It will reduce water consumption by an estimated three Olympic-sized swimming pools annually and lower energy usage by approximately 23% compared to the previous line.

CCEP’s commitment to safety is evident in the rigorous design validation process, utilising virtual reality to identify and mitigate potential risks.

This investment in Richlands is part of CCEP’s broader strategy to modernise its Australian operations. Earlier this year, the company announced a $105.5 million investment in a new Warmfill Line at its Moorabbin plant in Victoria.

With a rich history of manufacturing in Australia spanning over 85 years, CCEP maintains a strong presence across the country. The Richlands site is one of 20 CCEP-managed facilities in Queensland, underscoring the company’s significant contribution to the local economy.

Published Date 06-November-2024

Multi-Warehouse Complex and Logistics Development to Boost Richlands Industrial Landscape

A substantial multi-warehouse complex, spanning over three hectares, will soon grace the Richlands industrial sector, thanks to a new project by Centuria Capital, a prominent Sydney-based fund manager.

This new development located at 616 Boundary Road is designed to boost the industrial landscape of Richlands, a suburb already home to major companies like Coca-Cola and Target.

The site currently houses a 13,763 sqm warehouse, which was acquired by Centuria in 2018 for $15.9 million from logistics group Border Express in a three-year leaseback deal.

The new development plan (DA A006399282) proposes replacing the existing facility with three office-warehouse buildings, totalling 16,718 square metres under roof.

The design of these warehouses has been meticulously considered to complement the surrounding area, which predominantly consists of industrial retailers and warehouses. Each of the three proposed warehouses is designed to be slightly over 14 metres in height, with individual gross floor areas of 6713, 6097, and 3908 square metres.

The design and construction standards of these warehouses are expected to positively contribute to the character of the surrounding industrial development. The project is not just about expansion but also about revitalising an underutilised site to create valuable industrial opportunities, in line with local and state planning frameworks.

Additionally, the proposal includes plans for local employment opportunities both during the construction and operational phases. The complex will also feature onsite parking for up to 116 vehicles and will be accessible from Boundary and Archerfield roads. It’s strategically located close to the Ipswich Motorway and Richlands train station, and is designed to accommodate large vehicles such as 26m B-double semi-trailers and 19m articulated vehicles.

Further bolstering its commitment to the logistics sector, Centuria has also secured a significant $500 million investment from a US firm, earmarked for acquiring strategic industrial assets across Australia. This move signals Centuria’s strategic expansion and growing influence in the logistics and industrial real estate markets.

Published 12-Dec-2023

BK’s Gymnastics Eyes Expansion in Richlands

BK’s Gymnastics, one of Australia’s largest-privately owned health and leisure companies, is planning to expand in Richlands with a children’s “super leisure centre” that will offer gymnastics and swimming lessons in one roof.

Working in partnership with Allstars, a gymnastics club based in Toowomba with over 1,200 participants, BK’s Gymnastics has seen growth in the last two years, driving the group to open new sites and make sports more accessible to the children.

The Richlands centre location has not yet been divulged but it will be one of two new sites to open in Queensland, with Springfield Lakes as the other location. The facilities will be geared towards launching fun programs for children of all ages, including babies who could learn swimming at three months old.

Highlights

BK’s Gymnastics will open a “super leisure centre” for kids in Richlands.
The company has partnered with Allstars gymnastics club to open more sites across the country in 2021.
Gymnastics continues to be a popular sport for children below 12 years old.

“Many in the industry, including BK’s Gymnastics, have been working hard to make the sport more accessible and provide programs for younger kids and a progressive pathway through the sport as kids grow,” Allstars’ owner Vicki Flamsteed said. Ms Flamsteed will steer BK’s Gymnastics growth in the region.

The CEO believes that the training they will provide at their centres will enhance the balance and coordination of the children, especially if they decide to pursue other sports.

In particular, interest in gymnastics among Australian children below 12 has risen to 17 percent in the time of COVID-19, according to an AusPlay survey.

Meanwhile, BK’s Gymnastics and Allstars, under the Belgravia Group banner, launched a new franchise model to target 10 locations across the country for the current calendar year.

To learn more about BK’s Gymnastics, follow their Facebook page.

Stay in Shape at the New Goodlife Richlands

Ready to get back into the groove of things and return to that active, healthy lifestyle? Stay in shape at the newly-opened Goodlife Health Clubs outlet in Richlands.

Goodlife Richlands, which opened its doors to the public on the 8th of April 2021, had a significantly stronger start than anticipated as Australians rushed to return to an active and healthy lifestyle after the complications brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This location is one of the first five new branches lined up nationally in 2021, including an all-new club in West End.

Among the programs offered at the health club include Arena Fitness and Reform Pilates.

Arena Fitness, the health club’s own coach-led boxing program, focuses on burning fat, building strength, and improving fitness. Reform Pilates improves posture and flexibility whilst simultaneously toning muscles.

Goodlife Richlands provides dedicated group exercise studios, cycling areas, saunas, and a functional training zone with sled track, high-quality cardio equipment, strength and weights sections, and squat racks.

All facilities provided by the health club are available to Goodlife members 24/7, meaning those interested in getting into shape can drop by at any time on any day of the week and start exercising — whether it be before work, after, or even both.

Goodlife Health Clubs Richlands can be found at 144 Pine Rd, Richlands, open 24 hours a day for seven days a week. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and special announcements concerning the health club.

New Guardian Childcare and Education Centre Opens in Richlands

Guardian Childcare and Education, a leading early learning provider with over 120 sites across the country, has opened a new world-class centre in Richlands. The custom-designed facility is the centre’s third state-of-the-art site to open in Brisbane in the last 12 months after Taringa and Coopers Plain.

Located near the Richlands train station and within the HomeCo shopping centre, the facility has been ready to welcome children since 29 March 2021. With an experienced team of passionate educators, Guardian Childcare and Education is a convenient option for young families setting their roots around the developing areas of the suburb.

About 135 children between the ages of six weeks old to six years old can enroll at this Richlands site and experience high-quality learning and rearing across its nine dedicated learning spaces.

The centre has been designed with two playgrounds, a central outdoor play area and garden spaces for communal learning and socialisation. Lunch prepared by a full-time chef is served at the piazza, where meal-times are also vital to the children’s skill and social development. Babies, on the other hand, have their own sleeping corners and a secure and dedicated play area.

“The centre is unique not only in its beautiful environments, great location and easy access, but, more importantly, its representation of the local community, employing multi-lingual educators from the local area,” Megan Black, the General Manager of New Centres, said.

The children’s time at Guardian Childcare and Education will help prepare them once they attend formal schooling. For enquiries and for booking a tour of the facilities, visit the online site for Richlands residents.

Funds Ready for Richlands and Inala Parks

Brisbane City Council is moving forward with plans to develop or upgrade two parklands, located in Richlands and Inala, after the determination of the funds set for park recreation projects.

The Council’s committee for the environment, parks and sustainability revealed that nine suburban parks will be the priority, following a series of public consultations with residents in 2020.

In Richlands, a land area filled with just grass and trees will be turned into the Castamore Way Park. Located by the slope on Progress Road, Council has plans to level off the area to create a junior playground with plenty of green space for family picnics and trees for shade.

A sandstone block will also be built as a retaining wall against the tree line sitting on the top of the site. There are also plans to create a tree grove, which will serve as the entryway to the new park.

In Inala, a series of refurbishing and refreshing will be undertaken on Thrush Street Park since its facilities are quite old.

Last year, Council conducted a study on the feasibility of these suggestions below from the residents:

improve or install facilities such as picnic and barbecue areas, shelters and tables
create an area for informal sports games
improve pathways and connectivity in the park
upgrade the playground with new equipment
improve lighting
provide shade trees
improve park accessibility

Wade Fitzgerald, the Council’s manager for Major Projects and Asset Coordination, said that whilst there are many considerations for this existing park, the redevelopment’s focus will be on the larger playground.

This site could soon get its very own interactive water play area for children to enjoy. The addition of a rock and pebble stream will provide young residents a nature-based playground.

Mr Fitzgerald said that Council is setting aside $2.2 million for the playgrounds, $2.7 million for the facilities upgrades, $5.8 park development and $3 million for maintenance.

Apart from Richlands and Inala, these other Brisbane parks will also undergo development and upgrades:

Blackwood Street Park, Rochedale
Colmslie Beach Reserve, Murrarie
Gus Davies Park, Bald Hills
Grinstead Park, Shand Street Park, Corbett Street Park linking Enoggera, Alderly and Stafford
Keralgerie Park, Morningside

Development Set for New Retail Centre with KFC in Richlands

A new retail centre with a separate KFC fast food restaurant will soon be developed at a large parcel of land in Richlands.

Located on 29 Garden Road and 205 Government Road, the project, designed by POWE Architects, will entail the construction of four single-story buildings, with a maximum height of 8.2 metres, in two stages.

Three of these buildings will be a mix of retail outlets and food and drink shops with several outdoor dining spaces, whilst KFC will take up the fourth building’s space fronting Garden Road. The layout presented for KFC includes a two-lane drive-thru section.

The retail centre will also have a pedestrian plaza, pedestrian crossings and an open car park for 78 vehicles, including four PWD spots.

“The proposed development has been architecturally designed with a lightweight and contemporary built form responsive to the site constraints and the location of the site,” the developers, Land Partners, stated in its submission. “The buildings are to be low-rise and highly articulated featuring a variety of skillion roof form, openings and doors and outdoor spaces with an extensive range of high-quality material and finishes”. “

Stage 1 of the project comprises the construction of KFC, which Council approved in mid-2020 (DA A005278387). Stage 2 (DA A005654380) covers the retail centre’s construction and is awaiting Council approval.