A Forest Lake family has built a strong bond with their next-door neighbours, offering a rare example of close community ties in an era of declining neighbourly interaction.
When Peter and Kiera Chapman relocated with their three children to Forest Lake, they did not expect the relationships they would quickly form with their neighbours. Within a month of settling in, the family had become close with those next door—an experience they hadn’t shared in nearly a decade at their previous address.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
National Trend of Social Disconnection
Recent research by Real Insurance and MyMavins highlights a wider trend across the country. About 65 per cent of Australians surveyed reported not meeting neighbours even after six months of living side by side. The findings also revealed that nearly three-quarters of Queenslanders believed people are less interested in forming relationships with neighbours now compared to 20 years ago.
Daily Support Between Households
In Forest Lake, the Chapmans’ children regularly spend time at the neighbour’s home after school. The neighbouring household, where Diane Greig cares for her two grandchildren, has become a regular part of their routine. The connection now feels like an extension of the family, with the children moving freely between both homes.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
Time Pressures Limit Community Interaction
According to Mr Chapman, the increasing pressure of dual full-time work and rising living costs has left many families with limited time to interact with those around them. He said these factors have contributed to the wider decline in community connections and social availability.
Despite the challenges, the Chapmans found that reaching out to neighbours helped them settle into Forest Lake more easily. Many residents in the area had been there for several years, contributing to a sense of local stability. Building that initial relationship has helped them feel safer and more supported in their new environment.
Parts of Forest Lake and 17 other Brisbane suburbs currently zoned for two to three levels could soon accommodate buildings as high as five storeys as the city addresses its housing affordability crisis.
This significant change is part of a city-wide review announced on Wednesday by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, aiming to add approximately 6,000 new homes over the next five years.
The review focuses on low-to-medium residential (LMR) density zones, which make up 14 per cent of Brisbane’s land. These areas currently allow for two to three levels and a minimum lot size of 400 square metres, but under the proposed changes, lot sizes could shrink to 300 square metres, potentially making way for terrace homes or dual occupancy dwellings.
The Need for More Homes
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Brisbane has been struggling with housing affordability, recently ranked as the 13th least affordable city globally by Demographia. Mayor Schrinner emphasised that this is largely due to a lack of housing supply, with new dwelling approvals in LMR zones dropping sharply to just 445 in the past two years, compared to a decade-long average of over 1,110.
He stated that increasing supply is the only realistic answer to making housing more affordable, dismissing other ideas like Airbnb limits or taxes on vacant properties as too simplistic. The review aims to cut red tape, adjust minimum parking requirements, and permit higher buildings in areas close to essential infrastructure such as shopping centres, bus and train stations, and main roads.
Forest Lake’s Unique Position
Forest Lake, a master-planned community, already features a mix of housing types, from detached houses on smaller lots to some medium-density homes. Its design includes integrated amenities like local shops, schools, and green spaces, including the prominent lake.
The suburb’s Neighbourhood Plan already encourages higher density development near the lake and central facilities to improve access to services. If five-level heights are introduced in Forest Lake, they would most likely be located around the Forest Lake Shopping Centre and commercial zones.
These areas are well-suited for increased density due to their existing services and transport links. Connectivity to Richlands train station via bus routes could also make areas along these routes candidates for slightly increased density.
The announcement has been generally welcomed by the property industry. The Property Council’s executive director, Jess Caire, described the move as a positive step during the ongoing housing crisis. Rob Flux of the Property Developer Network noted that the changes would benefit small developers, who build most new residential projects.
Urban design and planning company Therefor Group also supported the review, stressing the importance of thoughtful design for positive outcomes. Director Amy Marsden mentioned that traditional character areas like Paddington and Auchenflower are unlikely to be affected by these changes.
However, some concerns and challenges remain. Caroline Stalker, the Australian Institute of Architects state president, supported higher density near infrastructure but stressed that good design is crucial for creating liveable communities. She warned that without proper design focusing on privacy, safe streets, and appealing neighbourhoods, public pushback is likely.
Master Builders Queensland’s Paul Bidwell welcomed the review as a good first step for increasing approvals, but highlighted a major issue: the construction sector currently lacks enough qualified workers to build the necessary homes. He noted that construction capacity is far behind approvals, meaning boosting supply is only one part of the solution.
Meanwhile, Real Estate Institute of Queensland stated there appears to be a newfound public willingness to accept higher density.
Labor Opposition Leader in Council, Jared Cassidy, argued that the housing shortage is partly due to the current administration’s past decisions, such as banning new townhouse developments in low-density zones in 2020.
Despite these points, the State Government’s SEQ Regional Plan requires Brisbane to deliver about 60 per cent of its new housing through infill development. Recent state approvals include 1,631 lots in the Greater Flagstone Priority Development Area and 782 new homes in Indooroopilly and Milton.
The bus route servicing Forest Lake has recorded the highest number of cancellations across Brisbane, adding to previous safety concerns for its regular passengers.
Data revealed that in the 12 months leading up to February 2025, nearly 8,000 public transport services, predominantly buses, were cancelled within the Brisbane City Council area. The 100 bus route, connecting Queen Street station to the Forest Lake shops in the city’s southwest, experienced the highest number of these disruptions, with 487 services not running.
This route was also identified as Brisbane’s most dangerous two years prior. Following the 100 route, the 60 CityGlider service from West End to Newstead saw 345 cancellations, and route 340 from Carseldine station to the CBD had 295. The month with the most service interruptions was November 2024, with 875 cancellations, July 2024 with 826, and October 2024 with 710.
Staffing and Traffic Named Key Factors
The most frequently cited reason for these cancellations across all affected areas was “staff availability.” TransLink indicated this term encompasses various situations, not solely bus driver absenteeism, such as delays from previous services or the need to reassign drivers to cover school routes.
However, traffic congestion was also a major contributor in Brisbane, accounting for 1,996 cancellations, while mechanical issues led to 750 bus service cancellations and affected 650 train services. Mechanical problems were also noted as a significant concern on the Sunshine Coast.
The issue of bus cancellations extended beyond Brisbane. After Brisbane, the Gold Coast recorded the highest number of cancellations in the southeast region, with 4,085 services affected. The Sunshine Coast followed with 2,786 cancellations. Other areas also experienced disruptions, including Logan with 1,019, Ipswich with 625, and Redlands with 244 cancellations. In all these locations, “staff availability” was the primary reason given.
Ongoing Debate Over Driver Shortages
The Rail Tram and Bus Union state secretary, Tom Brown, asserted that driver shortages remain severe and suggested the official figures might not capture the full extent of the problem, as “part cancellations,” where only a section of a route is completed, are reportedly not recorded.
He stated that the situation has deteriorated over the past year due to pressures on drivers from high staff turnover and demanding schedules. Mr Brown also mentioned that experienced new drivers from interstate sometimes prefer independent bus operators over Council positions, and that lengthy recruitment and training processes, lasting several months, can lead to potential recruits finding other employment.
In contrast, Council reported recruiting over 500 new bus operators in 2024 and another 146 by February 2025, stating that bus driver shortages were no longer experienced. Figures from Questions on Notice (QONs) showed 479 bus drivers were hired from 12 months to December 2024, out of a total of 2,600 drivers. These QONs also revealed that in the six months leading up to February 2025, approximately 1,200 services were cancelled due to lack of staff.
Despite the cancellation figures, TransLink maintained that its network performs well. A spokesman stated that about 99.88 per cent of the approximately 6.5 million timetabled bus services ran without cancellation during the reporting period. He explained that a single absent driver can result in multiple cancelled runs and that school routes are prioritised. While TransLink funds bus maintenance and replacement, the spokesman clarified that driver recruitment and fleet management are the responsibilities of operators like councils.
Council transport chair, Councillor Ryan Murphy, echoed this sentiment, stating that Brisbane’s bus network operates “well above industry standards,” with over 99 per cent of all services delivered as planned. He attributed a boom in patronage to 50-cent fares and the commencement of the first Metro route, which reportedly increased patronage between Eight Mile Plains and UQ by over 20 per cent in three months alone. Councillor Murphy also indicated that the next phase of Brisbane Metro would significantly boost bus services.
Labour Opposition Leader, Councillor Jared Cassidy, suggested it was unsurprising that some of Brisbane’s busiest suburban bus routes experienced numerous cancellations due to traffic, given Brisbane has been named Australia’s most congested city.
He questioned Council’s ability to call Brisbane a “bus city” while services remain stuck in gridlock and stressed that dedicated busways are essential for improving Brisbane’s public transport. Councillor Cassidy pointed out that routes operating on the South East Busway were notably absent from the list of most-cancelled services.
A young boy from Forest Lake living with vision loss received assistance from the local Lions Club to take part in a national sports competition held in Western Australia.
The Lions Club of Forest Lake Inc. recently approved a community donation to assist 11-year-old Rowan Gillam, a Forest Lake resident, in travelling to Perth to represent Queensland in the School Sports Australia National Championships, held 30 March to 5 April.
Rowan, who competes with the support of a guide runner, secured gold in the Aquathlon. The race was held in extreme heat, but the pair’s determination saw them finish on top.
Rowan’s path to the podium began in adversity. At just seven years old, he was involved in a life-threatening motocross crash at Fort Lytton Motocross Club. Thrown 15 metres from his motorbike, Rowan sustained multiple head injuries and was placed in a coma.
He underwent a procedure to have a section of his skull removed to ease brain pressure and subsequently experienced a stroke. As a result, Rowan became blind.
Ongoing Recovery and Sporting Determination
Since the accident, Rowan has undergone extensive rehabilitation and has shown resilience through sport. He began participating in athletics with the Toowong Harriers and was recognised in 2023 as a Sport Access Foundation grant recipient under the ‘No Barriers’ category. This grant supports young athletes aged 7 to 12 with disability across Australia.
Lions Club members have expressed pride in Rowan’s performance and continue to follow his journey. The community support reflects a broader commitment to inclusive sport and empowering youth with disability to pursue their ambitions.
The peaceful streets of Forest Lake turned frantic Monday as police searched for a missing four-year-old girl — later found dead in a neighbour’s pool.
A four-year-old girl has died after being found in a neighbour’s swimming pool in the Brisbane suburb of Forest Lake, leaving the local community devastated.
She was reported missing from her home on Deakin Place just after 9:30am on Monday. Police and emergency services launched a large-scale search, which included Polair aerial support. Her body was discovered in a nearby backyard pool around 12:20pm.
Search Efforts And Discovery
Neighbours joined police in searching nearby streets and properties. Officers went door to door while Polair scanned the area overhead. The girl was eventually found in a pool at a nearby home, though it’s unclear how she gained access.
Queensland Police said a report will be prepared for the Coroner. Investigations are ongoing.
Community Response And Support
Forest Lake residents expressed shock and sadness at the tragedy. Some left flowers and toys at the scene, while others described the incident as heartbreaking, especially for families with young children.
Safety Reminders
The incident has reignited concern around pool safety. Experts stress the need for secure fencing, self-latching gates, and constant supervision around water.
While Queensland laws require safety barriers, accidental drownings still happen. Families are urged to review pool safety measures and supervise children closely.
Stapda, a Forest Lake High School student, has taken his passion for science and technology beyond the classroom, joining a select group of Queensland students on an international STEM immersion program in Japan.
The STEM Japan Global Student Program, held in December 2024, provided participants with hands-on industry experiences, cultural exploration, and a deeper understanding of global science and technology advancements.
A Unique Opportunity for Queensland Students
The program, designed for Year 10 students from Queensland state schools, offers an immersive educational experience that blends Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with Japanese language and culture. Selected students, including Stapda, travelled to Japan to visit industry leaders, participate in hands-on STEM activities, and explore the country’s rich history.
One of the most anticipated site visits was the Mazda Museum, a dream come true for car enthusiasts. The exhibition showcased every Mazda model ever produced, including high-performance racing cars, providing insight into Japan’s automotive engineering and technological advancements. Another standout moment was the visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, where students reflected on the lasting impact of history and the resilience of the human spirit.
Beyond the structured activities, the program encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, helping them develop confidence, independence, and adaptability—valuable skills for both personal and academic growth.
How the Program Prepares Students for Global Careers
The STEM Japan Global Student Program aims to broaden students’ career horizons by showing them how STEM fields operate internationally. Participants gain a real-world perspective on how STEM disciplines are applied beyond Australia by engaging with industry experts, exploring cutting-edge technology, and experiencing Japanese school life.
Photo Credit: Education Queensland
This experience has ignited an interest in international careers for the Forest Lake students, reinforcing the importance of STEM education and cultural understanding in a rapidly evolving global workforce.
The program provides students with practical STEM experience and fosters cultural awareness and global networking opportunities—preparing them for a future where international collaboration is increasingly vital.
With the increasing global demand for STEM professionals, initiatives like this are vital in nurturing Australia’s future innovators. By motivating young learners to engage with STEM outside their local classrooms, programs such as the STEM Japan Global Student Program foster global perspectives and crucial skills for the future.
Forest Lake has emerged as an area of concern in Brisbane City Council’s latest report on food safety despite having a relatively small number of food venues.
The suburb received a disproportionate number of infringement notices in 2023-24, raising questions about food-handling practices in the area. Brisbane City Council reveals it was responsible for 100 percent of Queensland’s food safety prosecutions last year.
Council data shows that across Brisbane, 47 food businesses faced court action for serious breaches of food safety standards. These violations ranged from the presence of cockroaches and rodents to inadequate handwashing facilities. In two instances, cockroaches were discovered in the food, while rat droppings were sighted at 14 venues.
One establishment was found to have a rat’s nest on the premises, and another had a live rodent caught in a trap.
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Cr Sarah Hutton, Chair of City Standards, acknowledged that while most of Brisbane’s food businesses maintain high standards, safe food handling is crucial for public health. She emphasised the importance of the hospitality sector in contributing to the vibrancy of the city’s suburbs.
Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley, Sunnybank Hills, and Upper Mount Gravatt recorded the highest prosecutions, fines, and complaints. However, Forest Lake stands out, given its low number of registered food venues compared to the high number of infringements.
Dr David Harley, a senior specialist in Public Health Medicine at Queensland Health, reminded the public that unsafe food handling and inadequate cooking can lead to bacterial infections such as salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis. He stressed the importance of properly cooking chicken to prevent campylobacter infection.
Dr Harley also noted that viruses, particularly norovirus, are a common cause of gastroenteritis, especially among young children.
Brisbane City Council offers local businesses free food safety training and resources to promote compliance with regulations and best practices. This information is available on the council’s website.
The Forest Lake Men’s Shed, a cherished community hub for local men, is urgently seeking a new home as their current lease, which expires on 31 January 2026, will not be renewed.
The group, currently based at a site leased from Arethusa College at 25 High St, has received confirmation from the college’s Head Office that the lease will not be extended beyond the set date.
For the past 18 months, they have been in discussions with BCCl about relocating to the Ellen Grove Park precinct.
The Forest Lake Men’s Shed provides a welcoming and secure environment for men to engage in meaningful activities or simply socialise. Many members find solace here, addressing issues such as loneliness, depression, and isolation, particularly after personal hardships or retirement.
The organisation’s dedication to promoting “mate-ship” has fostered a strong sense of belonging among its diverse members. Through a variety of activities, from community projects to personal hobbies, the Shed enhances health, productivity, and mental well-being.
Proposed Site in Ellen Grove
The group has identified land within the Ellen Grove Park precinct, behind the carpark between Waterford Road and Coriander Street, as a suitable new site.
While the city officials have designated this land for sport and recreation, the Men’s Shed argues that its activities align with recreational purposes. Additionally, the proposal includes plans to introduce a Women’s Shed, extending the benefits to a broader community base.
Local residents have voiced their support for the Men’s Shed, highlighting its vital role in the Forest Lake community. Social media discussions have reflected frustration over the sale of the current site, with many believing it was always intended to serve as a community centre.
A petition advocating for a new site has already gathered over 570 signatures, demonstrating strong community backing for the relocation effort.
The Forest Lake Men’s Shed is urging supporters to sign their ePetition, which will remain open until 30 April 2025, to encourage city officials to secure a new site. With time running out before the current lease expires, securing an alternative location is crucial to ensure the continuity of this valuable community resource.
A promise to improve safety in Forest Lake and other previously identified areas of Brisbane has come under scrutiny as the local community calls out delays in CCTV rollouts.
The CCTV rollout, proposed in the lead-up to the March 2024 local leadership selection, included plans for cameras in 26 wards, targeting areas with high crime rates. The Forest Lake bus stop, in particular, has seen an uptick in serious incidents.
Despite the commitment, residents have been told the rollout may not occur for years, with officials stating that the cameras will be installed “this term” without specific timelines.
Forest Lake’s Ongoing Safety Issues
Recent violent incidents, including attacks near the bus stop underscore the need for improved surveillance at Forest Lake. Local safety advocates argue that installing mobile cameras would deter such crimes and enhance the sense of security for residents. Forest Lake is one of several locations highlighted by community members as increasingly unsafe, particularly for women.
Katie Dall, a community organiser and self-defence advocate, has voiced concerns about the lack of progress. She believes the cameras could serve as a deterrent and provide critical evidence for law enforcement. Ms Dall points out that even daylight hours no longer guarantee safety in some Brisbane suburbs, further stressing the urgency of action.
Forest Lake bus stop Photo Credit: Google Maps
Community and Expert Responses
The delay in the CCTV rollout has drawn criticism from community members, who argue that the initiative is vital for improving safety in vulnerable areas like Forest Lake. Some claim that the project was expected to begin in early 2025 but has yet to show progress. This has led to concerns about public trust and whether the timeline will meet the immediate needs of residents.
Council representatives, however, have clarified that the timeline was not finalised but reaffirmed the commitment to completing the installations within the current term. They also highlighted other recent investments in public safety, including permanent cameras at locations such as Musgrave Park and Tinchi Tamba Wetlands.
Broader Safety Investments
Brisbanel manages a network of over 3,700 cameras as part of its CitySafe program. Recent additions to the network include permanent cameras in high-traffic areas to monitor and deter anti-social behaviour. Council has allocated $1.8 million this financial year to enhance its surveillance infrastructure.
While these measures have improved safety in some areas, critics argue that mobile cameras offer the flexibility to address emerging hotspots. Community members and experts alike continue to call for clarity and urgency regarding the CCTV rollout, particularly in high-risk locations such as Forest Lake.
Forest Lake, with the second-highest number of registered dogs in Brisbane, is facing a growing concern as a new study reveals widespread resistance to common deworming medication among hookworms.
A recent University of Queensland study, conducted in partnership with the University of Sydney, has found that 70% of hookworm samples across Australia show genetic mutations linked to resistance to benzimidazole-based dewormers.
These medications are one of the primary treatments for hookworm infections in dogs. This alarming discovery means that a common and effective treatment for these parasites might be losing its power, putting local dogs at risk.
Hookworms are nasty parasites that live in dogs’ intestines and feed on their blood. They can cause serious health problems like anaemia, diarrhoea, and weight loss. Puppies are particularly vulnerable, as a hookworm infection can be fatal. Worryingly, these parasites can also infect humans, causing a skin condition called cutaneous larva migrans (CLM), which leads to an itchy and uncomfortable rash.
Dr Swaid Abdullah, a veterinary expert from the University of Queensland, explained that the research team used advanced testing methods to examine hookworm samples from over 100 animals in Australia and New Zealand.
The results showed that resistance to benzimidazole dewormers was spreading, even affecting the northern hookworm, a species previously considered unaffected. Dr Abdullah stressed that the effectiveness of these drugs should be above 95%, but the study found it was falling below this level.
Overuse of Dewormers a Key Factor
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Dr Abdullah believes that the widespread practice of “blind treatment” or deworming medication to dogs without testing for hookworms first is a major reason for the growing resistance. He compared it to the overuse of antibiotics, which has led to antibiotic resistance in many bacteria. Instead, he recommends a more targeted approach, similar to how doctors prescribe antibiotics only when necessary.
The best way to protect your dog from hookworms is to have them tested twice a year and only treat them if they have an infection. Dr Abdullah also emphasised the importance of responsible pet ownership in preventing the spread of hookworms. Dog owners should always immediately pick up their faeces and dispose of them properly, even in their own yards. This simple action can help stop hookworms from infecting other dogs and humans.
