Access to Skepper Street in Ellen Grove Could Close Under Logan West Upgrade Plan

Access to Skepper Street in Ellen Grove could be removed under the latest design for the Logan West Upgrade, leaving residents to use Michael Street and Stephen Street instead.

The proposed change is shown in Transurban’s newly released reference design for the major Logan Motorway project.

Under the design, motorists would no longer be able to access Skepper Street from the Boundary Road eastbound on-ramp. Transurban says the closure is proposed to improve road safety, with local access instead provided through Michael Street and Stephen Street.

For residents, however, the change is not yet a done deal. The August 2026 reference design shows Transurban’s preferred approach at this stage of the project and remains subject to approvals and further detailed design.

What Would Change at Boundary Road?

The Skepper Street proposal forms part of a broader redesign around Boundary Road and the Logan Motorway.

The Boundary Road eastbound on-ramp is proposed to have two lanes and ramp metering, while the westbound off-ramp would increase from one to two lanes. New signals are also proposed at the westbound off-ramp, with both lanes able to turn right.

The reference design specifically identifies the removal of access to Skepper Street as one of the changes proposed for this part of the project.

Residents Being Asked to Have Their Say

The proposal has prompted a renewed push for feedback from Ellen Grove residents, following the release of the reference design in August.

Jamboree Ward Councillor Sarah Hutton said she was recently briefed by Transurban and was concerned that relatively few residents had responded about the proposed change.

Hutton has launched her own short survey asking residents whether they support or oppose the proposal, with responses closing on 20 September. She said the feedback would help her advocate on behalf of the community and pursue alternative options if residents believe the proposed arrangement is not suitable.

The survey is separate from Transurban’s project consultation. Transurban conducted formal community engagement on the wider Logan West Upgrade in late 2024 and says feedback from that process helped shape the reference design. Further community feedback will also be gathered as the project progresses.

Hutton has also stressed that Transurban, rather than Brisbane City Council, is proposing the Skepper Street access change.

Part of a Much Larger Motorway Upgrade

The Skepper Street proposal is one relatively small but locally significant element of the Logan West Upgrade.

The wider reference design includes an additional lane in each direction between the Centenary Motorway and Mount Lindesay Highway, an additional westbound lane between Boundary Road and Formation Street, changes around the Formation Street interchange, upgrades to motorway ramps and new smart motorway technology.

Transurban says more than 210,000 trips are made on the Logan Motorway each day, with traffic expected to increase by 35 per cent by 2041.

If the project is approved, Transurban forecasts that the upgrade could reduce travel times by up to 20 minutes during peak periods by 2031. It also estimates the project could remove about 6,100 trucks and cars each day from local streets including Progress Road, Inala Avenue, Springfield–Greenbank Arterial, Goodna Road and Johnson Road.

Skepper Street Closure Is Not Yet Final

While the reference design makes Transurban’s current preferred arrangement for Skepper Street clear, several stages remain before construction.

Environmental consultation is scheduled for mid-to-late 2026, followed by the release of a detailed design in early-to-mid 2027. State Government approval is targeted for mid-2027, with construction expected to begin in mid-to-late 2027 if the project proceeds.

Completion is planned before 2032, although Transurban says the project dates and approvals process are subject to change.

For Ellen Grove residents, that leaves time to respond to the proposed change before the design reaches its final form.

Published 6-September-2026

Pet Portraits from Forest Lake Win Big in London Photography Awards

A local pet photographer from Forest Lake has achieved international fame, securing seven gold awards and three honourable mentions at the London Photography Awards for her skill in capturing the unique character of pets.



The achievement occurred recently, marking the first time the Forest Lake studio has entered this prestigious global competition. Julie Brown, who leads the photography sessions at the local studio, began her career with no professional experience just four years ago. She honed her craft under the guidance of studio founder Anne Neiwand, who expanded her own landscape photography background to include a dedicated focus on animals.

The recognition from the London-based panel serves as a major milestone for the small business. The awards program is designed to highlight exceptional talent in the photography industry across the world, specifically looking for artists who demonstrate creativity in their work. 

One of the most successful entries for the studio was a portrait of a food-motivated dachshund named Gnocchi, which captured the dog’s intense focus and was titled “Anticipation.”

The process behind the images involves much more than just a camera. Brown credits much of the success to a collaborative effort within the team. Her husband, Michael, plays an essential role as a wrangler during the sessions. He works to help animals feel at ease, particularly those that arrive feeling nervous or shy. 

According to the team, many pets that are initially hesitant around men quickly grow to trust Michael, often becoming quite attached to him by the end of the session.



For Brown, the most rewarding aspect of the work is the emotional connection formed with the animals and their owners. She finds joy in observing the transition of timid pets into confident subjects who are happy to engage and play. The positive feedback from the local community remains a primary motivator, with the studio maintaining a strong reputation among pet owners in the region. The team intends to continue participating in the international awards circuit in the future to keep pushing their creative boundaries.

Published Date 06-July-2026

Boy Who Cannot Swim Thrown Into Water Near Forest Lake Amphitheatre 

Police are investigating after a 12-year-old boy who cannot swim was thrown into water near Forest Lake Amphitheatre, with video of the incident shared on social media.



Police Investigate Forest Lake Water Incident

Police are investigating after a 12-year-old boy who cannot swim was thrown into water near Forest Lake Amphitheatre in Brisbane’s south.

A video shared on social media shows an older boy picking up the 12-year-old near the water. The younger boy is seen pleading not to be thrown in and saying he cannot swim.

The footage then shows the older boy throwing him into the water, while a group of older children laugh nearby.

Police said officers were aware of the video and were investigating a report of a boy being thrown into water near the amphitheatre on Thursday, 25 June.

Families Contacted As Inquiries Continue

Officers have been in contact with the boys involved and their families.

The Forest Lake investigation remains ongoing as police continue inquiries into the incident.

No charges or formal outcomes have been included in the information released.

Forest Lake incident
Photo Credit: Pexels

Mother Says Son Was Taken To Police

The older boy’s mother later posted anonymously on social media, saying she took her son to a police station after seeing the video and recognising the seriousness of the incident.

She said her son had acknowledged his involvement and was being held accountable at home. She also said the family was prepared for any further consequences through the school or legal process.

The mother said she was sorry for what the younger boy experienced and accepted that an apology would not undo what happened.

She said her focus was on ensuring her son accepted responsibility while avoiding further harm to those involved.

Forest Lake Matter Remains Under Investigation



The incident near Forest Lake Amphitheatre remains under police investigation.

Police have not provided any further outcome, with inquiries continuing after the video circulated online.

Published 28-June-2026

Rain All Week, Clear Skies on the Day: Calamvale Park’s Yoga Celebration Draws the Crowds

Calamvale District Park filled with practitioners of all ages and backgrounds for the twelfth International Day of Yoga, with the community turning out in strong numbers despite heavy rain in the days leading up to the event.



The open air celebration was organised by Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Australia and marked a decade of annual Yoga Day events the organisation has held in the Calamvale area. After a week of wet weather that raised concerns about attendance, the skies cleared on the morning of the event, and participants gathered across the park for a morning of guided yoga, breathing exercises and meditation.

For Calamvale residents, the park is a familiar gathering place, and the Yoga Day event has become one of the more consistent fixtures in the area’s community calendar over the past ten years.

A decade of bringing the community to the mat

DJJS Australia has been running Yoga Day celebrations in the Calamvale area since 2016, building the event steadily into what has become one of Brisbane’s longer running outdoor yoga gatherings. The organisation noted that it has maintained a long standing partnership with local community representatives in promoting yoga and wellbeing initiatives in the area.

Photo Credit: @cgibrisbane/Instagram

The ten year run is significant. Community events of this type often peak once or twice and then fade. Sustaining a consistent annual presence in one location, drawing new participants alongside returning ones, takes genuine organisational commitment and community trust.

Photo Credit: @cgibrisbane/Instagram

Despite heavy rain throughout the week and on the night before the event, people from various backgrounds and communities turned up and participated with great enthusiasm, organisers said.

More than a workout in the park

International Day of Yoga, observed annually on 21 June, was established by the United Nations in 2014 following a proposal by India. It has since grown into one of the most widely observed wellness observances in the world, with events held in cities across more than 190 countries each year. The recent Brisbane edition marked the twelfth time the day has been celebrated globally.

Photo Credit: @cgibrisbane/Instagram

In Australia, urban communities with significant South Asian diaspora populations have often taken the lead in hosting public Yoga Day events, bringing together experienced practitioners alongside community members who may be attending their first session. The Calamvale event has followed this inclusive model, drawing participants from across the suburb’s culturally diverse residential population each year.

DJJS, or Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan, is a spiritual and social organisation with a global presence that runs welfare, educational and cultural programmes across several countries. Its Australian chapter has been active in Brisbane’s south west through both the annual Yoga Day event and broader community wellbeing initiatives.

Calamvale District Park as a community gathering space

Calamvale District Park is bordered by established trees and offers a range of open air facilities including a basketball half court, barbecue areas, an off leash dog area and a large adventure playground. The park’s open lawn areas make it well suited to large group activities, and it has been used for a wide range of community events beyond the yoga celebration.

For residents looking to explore yoga beyond the annual event, DJJS Australia maintains an online presence and can be found at djjs.org.



Published 19-June-2026

Electric Vehicle Numbers Surge in Calamvale

The southern suburbs of Calamvale and Forest Lake sit in a part of Brisbane where car ownership is almost universal and public transport alternatives are limited. This heavy reliance on driving makes Calamvale’s position among Brisbane’s highest total EV counts all the more striking.



The suburb registers significantly more electric vehicles than its income profile alone would suggest, placing it alongside Sunnybank Hills, West End, and Carindale as an area where EV adoption has outpaced the predictions built around wealth and socioeconomic status.

A suburb that doesn’t fit the usual EV profile

Research on electric vehicle uptake consistently points to the same leading indicators, namely high household income, a detached home with a garage, and the ability to absorb a higher upfront purchase cost. Suburbs like Upper Brookfield, Fig Tree Pocket, Bardon, and Chapel Hill tick all three boxes cleanly and lead Brisbane in EV proportion as a result.

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Calamvale does not sit at the same socioeconomic level as those western suburbs, yet its raw EV numbers remain remarkably high. Associate Professor Gavin Northey from Griffith University has raised a theory for why this is happening.

“In suburbs like Calamvale and Sunnybank Hills, for example, nearly a third of all residents share some Chinese ancestry,” he said. “In these suburbs, there may be some form of ‘country-of-origin’ effect, where it’s really quite natural to have Chinese-manufactured EVs in their consideration set.”

Chinese EV brands, led by BYD, have become the dominant force at the lower and mid-range end of the Australian EV market. A purpose-built BYD vessel docked in Melbourne last month carrying 5,000 vehicles, a shipment described by one energy analyst as a turning point in Australian motoring. According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, almost one in seven cars sold across Australia in March was an EV.

Northey is careful to frame this as a plausible explanation rather than a confirmed cause. Multiple factors overlap in suburbs like Calamvale, including housing type, commuting patterns, and fuel cost sensitivity.

Forest Lake and the car dependent equation

Forest Lake sits to the west of Calamvale and shares many of its planning characteristics, operating as a residential hub built around the private car where local streets feed arterial roads and residents have limited rail access. This car dependency has historically been one of the strongest arguments in favour of EV uptake. If residents must drive regardless, the fuel savings from switching to electric become significant relatively quickly.

Macquarie University economics Associate Professor Rohan Best points to upfront cost as the primary remaining barrier.

Photo Credit: RACQ

“The upfront cost is one of the primary barriers to whether people can afford it or not, it’s still quite high relative to petrol cars,” he said. “It does tend to be those of higher socioeconomic backgrounds who can afford it.”

That constraint is shifting. Salary sacrifice arrangements have made EVs accessible to a wider income range, and the arrival of BYD and other Chinese manufacturers at lower price points has widened the market well beyond early adopters.

Across most of Brisbane, standard hybrid vehicles still outnumber full EVs in most suburbs. Northey describes plug-in electric hybrids in particular as a transitional technology for households not yet ready to commit fully, offering lower fuel costs without the range anxiety and charging logistics that still deter some buyers.

For southern Brisbane residents in areas like Forest Lake and Calamvale where longer commutes are typical, the cost-per-kilometre advantage of a full EV over time remains one of the more compelling arguments in the category.



Published 18-June-2026

Forest Lake Boulevard Resurfacing Included In Brisbane Road Blitz

Forest Lake Boulevard has been named in Brisbane’s $110 million Operation Smooth resurfacing program, with The Lake Parklands also listed for upgrades in the 2026-27 Budget.



Operation Smooth will resurface nearly one million square metres of roads across Brisbane. Forest Lake Boulevard is the local road included in the works list.

No local closure timetable or detour plan has been released for Forest Lake Boulevard.

Operation Smooth
Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner

Boulevard Forms Forest Lake Link To Operation Smooth

Operation Smooth follows the Big Fill pothole blitz, which at its peak repaired one pothole every two minutes across Brisbane.

The resurfacing program is aimed at delivering smoother road surfaces across the city, with some of Brisbane’s busiest roads included.

Forest Lake Boulevard is listed with roads including Hamilton Road in Chermside and Wavell Heights, Ipswich Road in Annerley, Logan Road in Upper Mt Gravatt, Lutwyche Road in Lutwyche and Windsor, Moggill Road in Indooroopilly and South Pine Road in Enoggera.

The southern approach to the Story Bridge is the highest-profile resurfacing work named in the program.

Operation Smooth
Photo Credit: BCC

The Lake Parklands Named For Upgrades

Forest Lake has a second local entry in the budget through The Lake Parklands.

The Lake Parklands is listed among the parks receiving upgrades in 2026-27. Across Brisbane, more than $117 million is allocated for park upgrades, including picnic shelters, barbecues, sports parks, exercise equipment, playgrounds, landscaping, footpaths, lighting and toilets.

The wider parks, playgrounds and public areas program totals nearly $900 million.

Rates And Household Measures

Brisbane homeowners will also pay higher rates under the same budget.

Rates will rise by 3.97 per cent, with some suburbs facing increases of up to 7.5 per cent. The minimum rates cost for Brisbane residents will be $948.64.

A Forest Lake-specific rates figure has not been provided in the available budget details.

Residents who pay rates on time will receive a $60 annual discount. The maximum pensioner rates rebate will increase to $1,350, and first home buyers will receive a rates establishment fee exemption.

Credit and debit card surcharges will be removed from 1 July 2026.

Renters and owner-occupiers will receive 10 free 100kg waste vouchers. Residents will continue to receive two free native plants, while the annual kerbside collection service will continue.

More than $2 million is also listed for free off-peak transport for seniors.

Other Transport Spending

Operation Smooth is part of a $1.9 billion transport and infrastructure investment.

More than $400 million is listed for road upgrades, including the Beams Road corridor upgrade, intersection upgrades in Inala and Coorparoo, and a new crossing on Gympie Road at Bald Hills.

The budget also includes $213 million to subsidise bus, CityCat and Brisbane Metro services.



More than $63 million is allocated for footpaths and bikeways, while artificial intelligence technology is planned for trial within Brisbane’s traffic signal network.

Published 17-June-2026

Jewellery Store Targeted in Daylight Smash-and-Grab at Forest Lake

Police are investigating after a jewellery store on Forest Lake Boulevard was targeted in a daylight smash-and-grab robbery.



According to Queensland Police, the incident occurred around 9.45 a.m. on 9 June when a man allegedly entered the store, jumped over the counter and smashed glass display cabinets with a hammer before stealing jewellery and fleeing on foot. No physical injuries were reported. Police say investigations remain ongoing.  

The suspect is described as an Islander-appearing man aged in his 30s or 40s. He was reportedly wearing a yellow high-visibility shirt, beige pants and gloves at the time of the incident. Detectives are appealing for anyone with CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area to come forward.  

What is an “Enter and Commit Offence”?

The term “enter and commit offence” is a Queensland criminal offence that generally refers to a person entering a building or premises and committing a crime inside. In this case, police allege the offender entered a business and then stole merchandise after damaging property within the store.

The offence can apply to a range of situations involving businesses, homes or other premises where a person unlawfully enters and then commits another crime such as stealing, wilful damage or assault.



Community Appeal

Residents and business owners who were in the Forest Lake Shopping Village precinct on Tuesday morning are encouraged to check any CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage that may assist investigators.

Anyone with information can contact Policelink or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Police have not yet announced any arrests.

Published 12-June-2026

Inside the Market Forces Shaping Forest Lake and Brisbane’s South-West

Forest Lake remains one of the busiest and most closely watched property markets in Brisbane’s south-west corridor, with strong activity continuing across surrounding suburbs including Pallara, Doolandella, Durack and Inala.

Local agent Matthew Groves shares his latest observations on investor sentiment, buyer activity, recent sales and the broader market conditions shaping the area in mid-2026.



So the Federal Budget has definitely created uncertainty across parts of the local property market. I’m speaking with many investors who are considering selling ahead of the proposed 2027 changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax arrangements.

Recent industry reporting also suggests investor participation across South-East Queensland has fallen by more than 20% since the start of 2026 amid uncertainty surrounding the proposed reforms.

At the same time, concerns around first home buyer negative equity are starting to emerge nationally, particularly in some Sydney markets. At this stage though, those pressures do not really appear to extend to Forest Lake, Doolandella, Pallara, Inala, Durack, Ellen Grove and surrounding areas, where conditions still seem comparatively stable.

From my perspective, the local market may come off the very top slightly, but not dramatically, which could create a solid buying opportunity before the next growth phase. There are still pre-qualified buyers active in the market despite broader economic headwinds.

I take 19 Centaurus Street, Inala to auction on June 20 if not sold prior. It’s a three-bedroom home on 633 square metres and, subject to approvals, has potential for a future granny flat thanks to the side access.

A lot of people don’t realise the now-closed Inala State School was actually located in neighbouring Durack. The school opened in 1962 and closed in 1995 when it merged with Glenala State High School, which remains in Durack today.

Another recent result we were pleased with was the sale of 21 Durundur Court, Durack, which settled at $1.45 million after selling under the hammer. We’re now also marketing 91 Hampton Street, Durack following its first open home last weekend — a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home on 622 square metres returning $600 per week in rent, with tenants in place until July.

And another piece of local history many newer residents may not know: Durack was officially named in 1976 after a community competition, with locals voting to honour Michael “Stumpy” Durack. The Durack family once owned the Archerfield Station, which covered around 56.7 square kilometres, with the original homestead located in what is now Homestead Park at Forest Lake.

Matthew Groves

Market Insights

Forest Lake is by far the busiest market in the area, so we have summarised the last 3 months of publicly available data below. For Pallara, Doolandella, Durack, and Inala we have summarised the last 6 months.

SW Brisbane Market Insights

Residential house sales analysis · Data to 31 May 2026 · Houses only

Forest Lake
Mar 1 – May 31, 2026 · 3-Month Report
Total Sales
51
House transactions
Median Price
$1.085M
All houses
Avg Days on Market
18
Very competitive
Price Range
$660k–$1.75M
Min–Max
Top Sale
$1.75M
6 Alexandrina Cct
3
Bedrooms
$995k
Median · 23 sales
4
Bedrooms
$1.1M
Median · 21 sales
5
Bedrooms
$1.208M
Median · 4 sales
Price Band Distribution
Days on Market Distribution
Monthly Sales Volume
🏆 Top 5 Sales
Swipe left to view all columns →
#AddressPriceBedsLand m²
16 Alexandrina Cct$1,750,0006 bed766m²
210 Chatswood Cl$1,635,0004 bed952m²
310 Dandenong St$1,450,0006 bed720m²
412 Cassatt Pl$1,420,0004 bed1005m²
55 Fitzroy Pl$1,420,0005 bed704m²
Click on the suburb to view data
Durack
Dec 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 · 6-Month Report
Total Sales
19
House transactions
Median Price
$1.02M
All houses
Avg Days on Market
32
Moderate pace
Price Range
$880k–$1.45M
Min–Max
Top Sale
$1.45M
21 Durundur Crt
3
Bedrooms
$940k
Median · 7 sales
4
Bedrooms
$1.059M
Median · 11 sales
5
Bedrooms
$900k
Median · 1 sale
Price Band Distribution
Days on Market Distribution
Monthly Sales Volume
🏆 Top 5 Sales
Swipe left to view all columns →
#AddressPriceBedsLand m²
121 Durundur Crt$1,450,0004 bed1680m²
25 Boulia Ct$1,310,0004 bed1093m²
316 Emerson Cl$1,260,0004 bed483m²
49 Kurrajong St$1,130,0003 bed628m²
513 Chanel Pl$1,100,0004 bed450m²
Pallara
Dec 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 · 6-Month Report
Total Sales
46
House transactions
Median Price
$1.20M
All houses
Avg Days on Market
37
Moderate pace
Price Range
$950k–$3.35M
Min–Max
Top Sale
$3.35M
168 Laxton Rd (acreage)
3
Bedrooms
N/A
No sales recorded
4
Bedrooms
$1.165M
Median · 37 sales
5
Bedrooms
$1.335M
Median · 5 sales
Price Band Distribution
Days on Market Distribution
Monthly Sales Volume
🏆 Top 5 Sales
Swipe left to view all columns →
#AddressPriceBedsLand m²
1148 Botanical Circuit$1,672,0004 bed400m²
246 Landel St$1,636,0002 bed1.64ha
3101 Ponting Circuit$1,610,0005 bed360m²
44 Tambor Cres$1,530,0006 bed416m²
529 Miami Pl$1,499,0005 bed402m²
Doolandella
Dec 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 · 6-Month Report
Total Sales
23
House transactions
Median Price
$1.08M
All houses
Avg Days on Market
26
Active market
Price Range
$700k–$1.3M
Min–Max
Top Sale
$1.3M
Two properties
3
Bedrooms
$915k
Median · 2 sales
4
Bedrooms
$1.085M
Median · 19 sales
5
Bedrooms
$1.0M
Median · 2 sales
Price Band Distribution
Days on Market Distribution
Monthly Sales Volume
🏆 Top 5 Sales
Swipe left to view all columns →
#AddressPriceBedsLand m²
11 Hanley St$1,300,0005 bed600m²
117 Rockfield Rd$1,300,0004 bed404m²
323/53 Crossacres St$1,225,0004 bed400m²
458 Fred Pham Cres$1,235,0004 bed500m²
517 Muhammad St$1,215,0004 bed529m²
Inala
Dec 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 · 6-Month Report
Total Sales
45
House transactions
Median Price
$900k
All houses
Avg Days on Market
36
Moderate pace
Price Range
$280k–$1.25M
Min–Max
Top Sale
$1.25M
Two properties
3
Bedrooms
$915k
Median · 28 sales
4
Bedrooms
$865k
Median · 8 sales
5
Bedrooms
$1.235M
Median · 3 sales
Price Band Distribution
Days on Market Distribution
Monthly Sales Volume
🏆 Top 5 Sales
Swipe left to view all columns →
#AddressPriceBedsLand m²
110 Cygnus St$1,250,0005 bed675m²
1107 Biota St$1,250,0006 bed630m²
37 Japonica St$1,235,0005 bed647m²
415 Grebe St$1,200,0005 bed645m²
556 Azalea St$1,128,0003 bed706m²

What’s Your Property Worth?

Forest Lake

Doolandella

Pallara

Durack

Some Development Applications

Recent development activity in Forest Lake and the surrounding suburbs is adding another layer to how the market is evolving. The map below highlights some key proposals and applications in the area.

Click on the pins for more details.

Published 4-June-2026

From Missing Footpaths to a New Aquatic Centre: Forest Lake Ward’s Wishlist for 2026–27

Locals have put together a wish list of projects for Forest Lake, Inala, Richlands, Doolandella, Durack, and Ellen Grove, ahead of the new budget for FY 2026-2027.

Footpaths with missing links. A sports complex described as well past its use-by date. A notorious intersection that has seen crashes and fatalities for a decade. Here’s a line-up of what residents could see funded, and what has been waiting years to be addressed.


Read: Playground and Park Works Extend into April Across Brisbane


Footpaths with missing links. A sports complex described as well past its use-by date. A notorious intersection that has seen crashes and fatalities for a decade. For residents across Brisbane’s southwest, these are not new problems. But with the city’s annual budget due in June, a detailed list of requested fixes has now been formally put on the table.

The submission for Forest Lake Ward covers more than 130 individual projects spanning Forest Lake, Inala, Richlands, Doolandella, Durack and Ellen Grove, ranging from minor path connections to multimillion-dollar sporting and aquatic facilities.

Getting around safely

Photo credit: Google Street View

Active transport and road safety account for a large share of the requests, with over 30 new or upgraded footpaths and shared path connections put forward. Many are small but critical missing links used daily by schoolchildren, commuters and residents travelling to bus stops.

One request flags that pedestrians on High Street, Forest Lake, including children and grandparents, are currently forced to walk on uneven dirt and grass due to a gap in the existing path network. A shared-path upgrade along Acanthus Street in Richlands is also sought, to give cyclists a safer route away from heavy industrial traffic.

New traffic signals are being requested at several locations, including Grand Avenue and Woogaroo Street, Government Road and Forest Lake Boulevard, and Woogaroo Street and Johnston Road.

The long-troubled Archerfield Road and Pine Road intersection in Inala is again among the priorities. Three designs have been proposed over the past decade without any construction proceeding, and multiple crashes and fatalities have occurred at the site in that time. The project recently received a boost, with the Federal Government committing $3 million towards fixing the intersection and a further $667,000 for nearby works on Azalea Street. The submission calls for construction to now get underway.

Parks, pools, and places to play

McEwan Park (Photo credit: Google Maps/J C)

An $8 million design and planning request has been put forward for a new aquatic complex for Forest Lake, a facility that has long been requested by local residents.

McEwan Sports Fields in Inala is listed for a $2.5 million full upgrade, with the submission noting the ovals and facilities are extremely old and in need of comprehensive renewal. Kev Hooper Park is also nominated for a potential $5 million investment, to include water playground equipment and free Wi-Fi.

A wide range of parks across the ward are put forward for smaller but practical improvements, including new or upgraded playgrounds, half-courts, fitness equipment, shade sails and BBQ facilities at Augusta Crescent, Forbes Park, Desoto Place Park and Jubilee Park, among others.

Sporting infrastructure requests include netball courts for Ellen Grove or Forest Lake ($200,000) and a BMX track for Ellen Grove ($250,000).

Roads and infrastructure

Photo credit: Google Street View

More than 20 roads across the ward are nominated for resurfacing, widening or kerb and channel upgrades, with many in Inala, Richlands and Doolandella where heavy vehicle use and ongoing development have accelerated wear on ageing road surfaces. The largest single resurfacing request covers Waterford Road in Ellen Grove, estimated at $500,000, and described as carrying large amounts of traffic including trucks, with persistent pothole problems.


Read: Inala University Study Hub Opens, Offering Free Support for Local Tertiary Students


What happens next

The 2026–27 Brisbane City budget is expected to be handed down in June. With more than 130 projects on the list, residents across the ward will find out which of the requested improvements make the final cut.

Published 27-May-2026

Ellen Grove Parks Precinct Plan Sets Out Long-Term Recreation Upgrades

The future of the Ellen Grove parks precinct is moving towards its next major planning stage, with detailed design expected to begin in 2026 for proposed improvements at Ellen Grove District Park and Waterford Road Park.



Detailed Design Expected For Ellen Grove Parks Precinct In 2026

The project remains in the planning stage, but the direction is now clearer for two parks intended to support play, sport, gathering spaces and green areas for a growing community.

The plan covers Ellen Grove District Park and Waterford Road Park. Proposed features include open space, shelters, picnic tables, a playground, tennis courts and a clubhouse with a kiosk, pro shop, bathrooms and meeting facilities.

Natural areas are also part of the planning direction. The project material states that surrounding environmental values will be considered, protected and enhanced as future improvements are developed.

Ellen Grove parks precinct
Photo Credit: BCC

Local Ideas Helped Shape The Park Plans

Early feedback was gathered from 22 May to 13 June 2023, when more than 100 people contributed ideas for the parks. For Ellen Grove District Park, suggestions included climbing ropes, swings, slides, accessible play equipment and a playground designed to fit with the natural setting.

Local input also pointed to the need for places to gather, including shaded seating, picnic and barbecue areas, shelters and toilets. Improved paths through and around the park were also raised, with interest in routes suitable for walking, cycling, scooters, prams and wheelchairs.

 Waterford Road Park
Photo Credit: BCC

For Waterford Road Park, the strongest themes centred on keeping existing trees, maintaining the natural environment and adding practical features that would make the space easier to use.

Suggested improvements included seating, picnic and barbecue areas, and walkable pathways. Broader comments also raised safe access, better connectivity between the parks, secure open spaces and consideration of lighting and noise.

Ellen Grove District Park
Photo Credit: BCC

Support And Concerns Raised During Later Feedback

A second engagement period ran from 4 November to 1 December 2024 after the draft concept plan was released. During that stage, 144 feedback surveys were submitted and about 80 people attended information kiosks.

Most survey responses supported the proposed features, with 121 of 144 responses indicating support or strong support. A proposed green space for informal gatherings or sport was also positively received, with 109 respondents saying they would likely use that type of area.

More than 70 per cent of survey respondents indicated the proposed clubhouse and kiosk would improve the visitor experience. Accessible pathways were also expected to be well used, with 136 of 143 respondents saying they would use them for exercise, movement through the area or walking dogs.

recreation planning
Photo Credit: BCC

The feedback also identified issues to be considered as the project moves forward. Concerns included stormwater runoff, increased traffic from park visitors and the need for more car parking.

Some attendees also raised the need for better pathways and pedestrian crossings to make access to the parks easier. Others raised concerns about lighting linked to the proposed tennis courts, including light pollution and possible curfews for lights and hours of play.

Additional ideas suggested during engagement included waterplay, table tennis, volleyball space and more shade.

Works are expected to commence in 2028, although construction timing remains subject to weather and future funding.



The plan sets a long-term direction for more active park spaces while retaining a focus on trees, natural areas and everyday community use.

Published 20-May-2026