The Ellen Grove parks precinct project remains in the planning phase, with a final concept plan guiding future upgrades at Ellen Grove District Park and Waterford Road Park in Ellen Grove.
Planning for the Ellen Grove parks precinct began with community engagement between May and June 2023, allowing residents and stakeholders to share input on future park use.
A draft concept plan was later released in November 2024, followed by further consultation before the final concept plan was completed by late 2025.
Photo Credit: BCC
What Is Planned For Ellen Grove
The concept plan outlines a range of recreation and community features designed to meet the needs of a growing population.
Proposed inclusions feature open space, shelters, picnic tables and a playground, alongside tennis courts and other recreation areas. A clubhouse is also planned, with facilities including a kiosk, pro shop, bathroom and meeting spaces.
Photo Credit: BCC
Balancing Use With Natural Surroundings
The project aims to support both recreation and environmental outcomes across the precinct.
Planning documents indicate that natural environmental values within the parklands will be protected and enhanced, ensuring green space is maintained while new facilities are introduced.
Photo Credit: BCC
Community Input Shapes The Outcome
Feedback collected during the 2023 engagement period contributed to the overall design direction of the project.
Input from residents helped shape the mix of recreation spaces and family-friendly facilities included in the concept plan.
Timeline Points To Long-Term Delivery
The project remains listed as planned, with detailed design scheduled to begin in 2026.
Works are expected to commence in 2028, although timing remains subject to weather and future funding. Some project updates have referenced the 2027–28 financial year, but current planning outlines 2028 as the anticipated start for construction.
Photo Credit: BCC
What Happens Next For Ellen Grove
With the concept plan finalised, the next stage will focus on detailed design and preparation for delivery.
The project is intended to provide sport and recreation facilities, green space and community amenities for Ellen Grove as development in the area continues.
The numbers don’t lie — Forest Lake and its neighbouring suburbs are holding firm at elevated price levels. Resilience defines this market right now — and the median figures across Forest Lake, Ellen Grove, Doolandella and Pallara prove it.
House prices across the Forest Lake corridor remain firmly anchored at elevated levels. Forest Lake continues to lead the established suburbs, with four-bedroom houses holding around the $1.2 million mark and five-bedroom homes reaching $1.4 million or more. Pallara is also performing strongly, with four-bedroom houses sitting around $1.15 million and reinforcing its position in the upper tier of the local market.
Doolandella is tracking closely behind, with four-bedroom houses also holding near $1.2 million and larger homes moving into the low $1.2 million-plus range. Ellen Grove remains the more accessible entry point, with four-bedroom houses sitting near $1 million while still benefiting from the strength of surrounding suburbs. Overall, the data points to a market consolidating at higher price floors rather than showing sharp volatility.
Data reflects sales from November 2025 to February 2026 (as of presstime).
Meanwhile, the market for apartments/townhouses and units across Forest Lake, Ellen Grove, Doolandella and Pallara tells a slightly different story from detached housing, with prices sitting within tight bands and buyer demand remaining steady.
Overall, the figures suggest that townhouse prices across the four suburbs are remarkably consistent, generally clustering between $750,000 and $775,000, reinforcing their role as the key entry point for buyers seeking family-sized accommodation in the area.
Trend Direction
What stands out most over the last three months is not volatility, but resilience. Detached homes are holding steady across all four suburbs, and townhouse pricing is tightly grouped with little sign of downward pressure.
Pallara and Forest Lake continue to command the upper end of the market, Doolandella shows strong liquidity in its townhouse segment, and Ellen Grove maintains its position as the value-driven alternative.
Doolandella has always been considered the younger brother to Forest Lake. On average the properties are newer and since the Woolworths moved into the area 10 months ago, it feels like Doolandella has become more attractive. The store on the corner of Blunder Road and Crossacres Street has an 8 bay direct-to-boot service which is convenient for time-poor couples.
As the auction for
123 Bagnall Street in Ellen Grove
moves nearer, it will be a great test of what 10,000+ square metres is worth in an area that is evolving rapidly. The house is unliveable but with over a hectare of land, this property will sell very well and as i write, I am delighted with the interest shown so far and we will be hoping to sell under the hammer on March 7.
Our recent sale at Panda Close in Doolandella was a complex record, it sold after 2 Open Homes for $780,000, $50,000 more than the previous highest price achieved in the complex. Surprisingly it sold to an investor, I say surprisingly because the first home buyer market has really taken off since October last year when the 5% deposit scheme was introduced for first home buyers. This has had an immediate impact on increasing house prices under the $1m mark.
We recently sold 2 properties off-market in Ellen Grove and 1 in Seventeen Mile Rocks. It’s an interesting case study for people who are constantly mising out on a purchase. We know a lot of properties that may sell soon and it’s always worth letting us know if you are in the market and pre-approved for finance.
I hear a lot of vendors say they would like to move but they have a list of things they want to do to their house first. Sometimes that list is not the same list that would get the best price on the market, we have a team of trades that work with us, and so it’s really easy to create the right to-do list and have it priced in preparation for sale, saving you money and hopefully doubling or trebling your return on that spend. Depending on the property, new carpet and paint for $10-15,000 can generate $50,000 in this market. I’m a big fan of red mulch and colour in a garden bed, it can make a big difference in the photography of the property.
What’s My House Worth?
Properties for Sale – Recent Listings
Below is a snapshot of some recent listings on Forest Lake, Ellen Grove, Doolandella, and Pallara, revealing a diverse market with varied price points and configurations. While broader trends suggest price growth, these listings demonstrate the actual inventory available, from family homes to high-value estates.
A Deeper Dive Into the Numbers
Over the past six months, the Forest Lake corridor property market has shown steady, disciplined growth rather than rapid price spikes. Comparing three-month medians with six-month benchmarks reveals a pattern of gradual upward movement across both houses and townhouses.
Detached homes in Forest Lake, Pallara and Doolandella continue to anchor the market at higher price tiers, while the townhouse segment is tightening into a narrow pricing band driven by consistent buyer demand. The data suggests a market that is consolidating at stronger price floors, with modest gains of roughly $10,000 to $30,000 across many segments rather than sharp volatility.
Below are the median comparisons between houses and apartments, 3 months vs 6 months.
Some Development Applications in Forest Lake and Surrounds
Click on the pins to view the details.Click +/- to zoom in/out.
Published 27-February-2026
Matt Groves is a Proud Promotional Partner of Brisbane Suburbs Online News
Note: This article is based on data from publicly available sources at the time of publication and is intended for general information only. Readers should conduct their own research and seek independent advice before making any property decisions
When the nearby Richlands rail extension was completed in 2011, it started a process of evolution for Ellen Grove that the aptly named Matthew Groves believes is turning into a demographic change.
On the border of Ipswich City Council and Brisbane City Council, it had become a forgotten backwater; yet as Forest Lake has burgeoned into the largest suburb in Brisbane, so Ellen Grove is in the process of the next stage of gentrification. First home buyers are starting to discover its relative value, given the access to Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and the Gold Coast.
The house perched on 10,600 square metres is simply unliveable.
“This property has been uninhabited for over 10 years, It is in original condition with plenty of asbestos and termites”, says Matthew Groves.
Who knows where planners will go with future zoning, but there seems to be a wrestling match in Council between tearing up neighbourhood plans and refining them, as an agenda evolves to help build for first home buyers.
“This property is zoned ec –emerging community– and the street has plenty of potential with two neighbouring properties teaming up for a 33-lot subdivision with 20 on one block and 13 on the neighbouring”, says Groves.
Not many houses get condemned these days. Most at worst become fixer-uppers but 123 Bagnall has been declared unliveable, so the property sells for land value, at a time when land prices are going through the roof.
It will be very intersting to see what evolves on March 7.
You can reach Matt Groves of ilookproperty on 0416 252 289.
A 120-place, single-storey childcare centre on Waterford Road in Ellen Grove has been proposed in a recently submitted development application to meet surging demand for local childcare services in the area.
The 998 sqm centre will include three outdoor play areas, as well as 37 parking spaces for staff and visitors.
If approved, it will replace an existing residential dwelling on the site. The dwelling house will be demolished without needing planning approval prior to construction of the proposed 120-place childcare facility.
Plans (Photo credit: Verve Design Group)
Verve Design Group designed the modern facility, which will feature spaces for nursery, and children aged 16-24 months, 2-3 years, and 3-5 years.
3D Perspective (Photo credit: Verve Design Group)
The proposed childcare facility will assist in providing an essential service to the growing local community, as population projections estimate a continued increase in demand for childcare from the current catchment area population of 22,926 residents, a figure expected to reach over 28,000 by 2041.
“The proposed development of 120 places will only partially address the current structural shortfall in places supply, even if two other proposed (but not yet approved) centres are also progressed. This reflects the predominance of supply within the adjacent suburb of Forest Lake and the current paucity of supply in the suburb of Ellen Grove,” planners stated.
Temporary vehicle access is provided via Waterford Road along the eastern boundary until the rear road is constructed, while a dedicated pedestrian entrance directly connects the facility to Waterford Rd.
If approved, the proposed childcare centre will operate Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to utilise its accessibility to nearby transportation corridors in order to provide a needed service for local families and caregivers.
A resident from Ellen Grove was left traumatised after being a victim of a break-and-enter incident, which resulted in his vehicle being stolen on New Year’s Day.
Zak Kelly, the man from Ellen Grove was traumatised after having his Land Cruiser stolen. The vehicle reportedly has a value of $150,000.
The horrifying incident was caught on his CCTV camera, and Kelly couldn’t help but feel concerned especially after seeing that one of the thieves, who happened to be a woman, was holding a gun.
The armed woman was believed to be the lookout, whilst two men broke into their Ellen Grove property.
Kelly said the fact that the woman has a weapon is very daunting and frightening, and it’s giving him sleepless nights. The thieves reportedly rammed the Land Cruiser through the fence.
Unfortunately, the persons of interest are not yet caught by authorities as of writing. For now, the Ellen Grove resident only wishes to have his vehicle, which he got after years of hard work, returned to him.
If there’s only one thing the man is thankful for, it’s that he did not caught the thieves in the act. Otherwise, things might have become worse, according to the man, who is also a father of four.
Photo credit: Logan City Alert/Facebook
Meanwhile, authorities are urging members of the public to Immediately dial 000 for Police if they sighted the vehicle. The stolen vehicle is a dark grey 79 series Toyota Land Cruiser bearing the Queensland Registration V87RB0.
Under Queensland’s laws, an offender who gains entry to the premises by any break, and then commits an indictable offence, is liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Based ondata from Queensland Health from 13 December 2021 to 26 January 2022, the area has recorded 1,727 cases. Nearby areas such as Acacia Ridge and Goodna recorded fewer cases, with 1,255 cases and 898 cases respectively.
As of the latest census, the 4078 postcode which covers Forest Lake-Ellen Grove has a population of around 27,488.
Just this January 2022, seven residents from an aged care provider in Forest Lake had died with the virus, after the nursing home was linked with 130 cases, including 77 residents and 53 staff.
Meanwhile, here’s an overview of some areas around South Brisbane, from 13 Dec 2021 to 26 Jan 2022
Queensland ended all domestic border restrictions as of 15 Jan 2022, removing the need for border passes and the presentation of negative COVID-19 test results for anyone entering the state.
Although unvaccinated individuals no longer have to present quarantine requirements, establishments will still require proof of vaccination from their customers.
Photo credit: Michael_Kretzchmar/Pixabay
As of 26 Jan 2022, Queensland’s new COVID cases were 9,974 with 818 patients undergoing hospital treatment and 54 patients currently in the ICU.
Since the beginning of the pandemic up to 26 January, the state has had 379,793 cases in total. Queensland has administered over 3.5 million doses, which accounts for 89.3 per cent of fully vaccinated individuals.
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.
Wedgetail Street, Inala | Photo Credit: Google Street View / google.com/maps
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.
