Several Brisbane suburbs, including Forest Lake have seen an increase in orders for green waste recycling bins after the annual fee was slashed to under $1 per week.
Forest Lake ordered 25 new bins, whilst The Gap and Bracken Ridge ordered 39 and 40 bins respectively.
In total, over 1,300 Brisbane households have adopted new green waste recycling bins since the fee was reduced from $93.68 to $45 annually on 1 July 2023. This is in addition to the 135,000 households that already utilise the bins.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook
The fee slash is part of the council’s $80 million cost of living relief package announced in the 2023/24 budget. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the move aims to encourage recycling whilst easing financial pressure on residents dealing with rising costs.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook
“Brisbane already has the cheapest residential rates in southeast Queensland and we’re committed to reducing the burden on households,” Cr Schrinner stated.
Collectively, over 36,600 tons of organic waste was diverted from landfills through the green bin program. Cr Schrinner expressed eagerness for more adoption as the city looks to expand food waste recycling initiatives.
What can you put in the green waste bin?
According to Brisbane City Council, acceptable items that can be placed in your green waste bin include:
grass clippings
small garden prunings from shrubs and trees
Palm fronds, twigs, small branches, leaves and loose bark
flowers and foilage
weeds, ivy, creepers and vines.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook
Homeowners can order a green bin online, by phone, or at a council customer centre using their rate number. The council says new bins can typically be delivered within three working days depending on demand.
The man-made lake at Forest Lake is among the most polluted lakes in the world when it comes to microplastic pollution, according to a new global study published this month.
The research, coordinated by the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON), tested microplastic levels in 38 lakes across six continents. Forest Lake was found to have concerningly high levels of microplastic contamination, though lower than the worst polluted lake tested, Lake Lugano on the border of Switzerland and Italy.
“Plastics and microplastics affect lakes and reservoirs on a global scale, including the most remote lakes”, said co-author Professor David Hamilton, Director of Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute.
Photo credit: TheKvuke2/Google Maps
“In addition to negatively impacting drinking water, plastics pollution has harmful effects on aquatic organisms and ecosystem function. Plastics don’t break down, they mostly break up into smaller and smaller particles, with increasing potential to be absorbed by living organisms, including humans.”
Prof Hamilton
Forest Lake (Photo credit: Picture Purrfect/Google Maps)
The man-made lake was completed in 1994 and is heavily used by local populations. The high microplastic levels are likely driven by stormwater runoff from surrounding urban environments, according to Professor Hamilton.
Some of the most contaminated lakes are vital sources of drinking water for nearby communities, including Lake Maggiore in Italy, Lake Lugano on the border of Switzerland and Italy, Lake Tahoe in the United States, and Lough Neagh in the United Kingdom.
Lake Lugano (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 3.0/MarkusMark/Wikimedia Commons)
The findings highlight the need to urgently review pollution reduction strategies and waste management to tackle the microplastics crisis, experts believe.
Veronica Nava, a research fellow at the University of Milan-Bicocca’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Plastics that accumulate on the surface of aquatic systems can promote the release of methane and other greenhouse gases.
“These results demonstrate the global scale of plastic pollution. No lake, not even those furthest from anthropogenic activity, can be considered truly pristine,” Ms Nava said.
Brisbane City Council previously implemented the Forest Lake Management Plan, but it’s stated in Council’s website that general maintenance and routine inspections continue at the lake. These include continuing the Ibis management plan, testing and analysis of the lake water quality, treating weeds around the lake, collecting litter, clearing silt trap, and monitoring and managing any changes to the lake environment.
Three men have been accused of a violent confrontation in Forest Lake, resulting in the death of a family’s dog over an e-scooter and intensifying concerns over the community’s safety. The identities of the alleged attackers were revealed as they appeared before the respective magistrates’ courts in connection with the harrowing incident.
Alex Edward Deng, 20, Aron Nsengiyumva, 21, and John Wal Wal, 24, face charges of two counts of wounding, one count of serious animal cruelty, an attempt to enter premises, and threatening violence. Additionally, Deng and Nsengiyumva have been charged with possessing counterfeit money.
The terrifying incident unfolded on the afternoon of 2 July 2023 when two of the men arrived at a property in Forest Lake, responding to an advertisement for an e-scooter posted on social media. Their attempted purchase turned violent when they allegedly tried to pay with counterfeit cash, leading to a confrontation with the sellers.
As evening fell, the two men returned to the Forest Lake property with another accomplice, armed with machetes, knives, and what appeared to be a black handgun (later identified as a gel-blaster).
Scaling the back fence, they demanded the e-scooter and resorted to smashing the rear glass doors of the residence, in a bid to coerce the occupants to come outside. Tragically, during their vile act, the attackers fatally stabbed the family’s dog.
The brave residents, faced with an escalating threat, armed themselves with shovels and engaged in a fierce struggle in the backyard of their Forest Lake home. Amidst the chaos, two residents, ages 30 and 33, suffered stab wounds, while a 20-year-old man sustained minor injuries.
In their courageous defense, the residents managed to inflict injuries on the attackers, forcing them to flee the scene.
Nsengiyumva and Deng appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court, their faces bearing visible signs of the violent encounter. Both men opted not to apply for bail and were subsequently remanded in custody. Nsengiyumva’s case was adjourned until July 24, along with Deng’s.
Date: Saturday, July 1, 2023 Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Location: The Lake Parklands, 5 Alexandrina Circuit, Forest Lake
For just $6, families can embark on a thrilling adventure walk during the Kids Passport Adventure event. As a team, families will receive a Passport featuring a list of key features to discover, including breathtaking scenery and fascinating animals. The objective is to locate all the special locations and get them stamped on the passport. Siblings under 3 years of age can join in for free whilst seniors and children may also join in the Gold’n’Kids event.
Bookings are essential and can be made through the organiser, Bazil Grumble. For more information, please call 0411 246 487.
The meeting point is the deck over the lake on Forest Lake Boulevard.
Adventure Walk and Clay Play at D. J. Sherrington Park
Date: Saturday, July 1, 2023 Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm Location: D. J. Sherrington Park, 601 Blunder Road, Inala
For young people aged 7-17 years, an adventure awaits at D. J. Sherrington Park. The Adventure Walk and Clay Play event offers an exciting guided walk followed by a hands-on clay play experience.
Participants will have the opportunity to collect natural materials like leaves and twigs during the walk to incorporate textures into their clay creations. Under expert guidance, they will learn to craft various vessels such as bowls or vases and decorate them using the collected items.
This chillout event promotes physical activity, wellness, and creativity. The cost to participate is $6, and bookings are essential through Bazil Grumble. To find out more information, interested individuals can contact 0411 246 487.
NAIDOC Week Storytime at Inala Library
Date: Saturday, July 8, 2023 Time: 10:30 am to 11:00 am Location: Inala Library, Inala Civic Centre, Corsair Avenue, Inala
In celebration of NAIDOC Week, children aged 2-5 years are invited to join a special storytime event at Inala Library. Titled “Here is the Land and Here is the Sky,” this engaging session aims to foster an appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and stories. The event is free of charge, and no bookings are required.
Families can immerse their little ones in the rich heritage of Indigenous Australians through captivating storytelling. The Inala Library, located at the Inala Civic Centre on Corsair Avenue, will serve as the venue for this culturally enriching experience.
Proud parents Skye Davis and Daniel Moxon of Forest Lake and Bevan Hall and Maite Mary of Brighton were among the recipients of specially designed swaddles featuring symbolic Aboriginal artwork to newborn babies and their families, a project of Mater Hospitals across Queensland for National Reconciliation Week.
Amethyst and Luna, Skye and Daniel’s babies, arrived seven weeks early, weighing 2.06kg and 2.1kg respectively. The parents expressed their joy at the unique swaddles, describing them as a “celebration” of their newborn baby girls. Mr Moxon, a Torres Strait Islander, expressed his appreciation for the vibrant and meaningful designs that reflected his cultural heritage.
“Fatherhood so far has been unreal, and to be given a gift for both the girls that is so rich in history is really special,” he said.
Renowned Queensland artist and Wakka Wakka man, David Williams, was commissioned by Mater to create the swaddles artwork, titled “The Heart to Heal, the Strength to Grow.” This artistic representation serves as a testament to Mater’s commitment to reconciliation and highlights the healthcare organization’s history.
For the first time, hundreds of newborns born at Mater Hospitals across Queensland, received these special gifts. The soft cotton symbolic swaddles will be gifted to families to further strengthen Mater’s relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and continue to build respect for their culture, history and knowledge.
Meanwhile, Brighton parents Bevan Hall and Maite Mary welcomed their identical twin girls Emma and Sophia seven weeks early at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane and said the swaddles were a beautiful gift that would be cherished forever.
“The designs are really great,” Mr Hall said.
Twins Emma and Sophie Hall with ‘RAP wraps’ for Reconciliation Week at NICU Mater Mothers’ Hospital, Monday, May 29, 2023 – Picture: Richard Walker/RDW Photography
Mater’s Reconciliation Action Plan Program Manager, Jo Jones, emphasized the significance of the swaddles. She quoted community elders who hailed the gesture as Mater’s way of demonstrating reconciliation with First Nations people and bridging the gap for all nationalities.
Ms Jones further explained that the unique swaddles serve as a visual representation of Mater’s culturally safe environment, symbolizing their open door policy and commitment to inclusivity.
“The swaddle is another element of visual artwork sharing Mater’s history and expressing to the community that our door is open, everyone is welcome, and no one gets left behind,” she said.
Ms Jones said Mater’s spirit was strong and “continues to thrive as we embrace those who we must always care for.”
“Wrap your beloved babies, let them feel safe and secure,” she added.
A Forest Lake woman is looking forward to seeing all her dreams come true after becoming $30 million richer and she’s planning to buy her first house with her unexpected windfall.
The fortunate woman felt like she was living in a dream as she struggled to believe her life-changing news was real.
She had the only division one winning entry across the country in the Oz Lotto draw 148, drawn Tuesday 5 July 2022.
“At first, we thought I’d won $30,000. Then we double-checked the ticket and I remember thinking, ‘oh my goodness, we’ve won $30 million!” the woman said, sharing the moment she and her husband confirmed the news.
She found herself lying awake that night thinking about all the ways their lives are about to change with that amount of money. She still could not believe it, adding that she might need to pinch herself again to make sure it was real.
The woman said the first thing on their list is buying their first home. The woman and her husband are also planning to ensure themselves and their families up for the future.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Although they know it will change their lives forever, the woman said she and her husband are adamant that they will not let it change them as people.
The mystery woman bought her life-changing entry at the Metro News on 1st inside the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.
The team at Metro News on 1st are hoping for the best and congratulated the Forest Lake woman and her family on their life-changing win. They hope it will make all her dreams come true.
The Hakka Association of Queensland is hosting the 2022 Parkinson Multicultural and Dragon Boat Festival, an exhilarating family-friendly event in Forest Lake where 15 teams are set to compete for the top prize.
The competition takes place on Sunday, June 5, at The Lake Parklands where there will be an area with plenty of shade sails and the stage. The event will run from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.
There will be races every 15 minutes, starting at 9:45 a.m. Spectators may watch and cheer for their favourite teams, as well as enjoy the food and drink stalls. There will be performances on the main stage and plenty of green space for the kids to enjoy at The Lake Parklands.
The Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner will be opening the festival, whilst MP Leeanne Enoch and Leanne Linard are also expected.
Photo Credit: Hakka Association of Queensland
Per the Hakka Association of Queensland, dragon boat racing is an ancient sport dating back to 2500 years ago in China. This year’s races will include both professional and non-professional dragon boat teams.
Established in 2010, the Hakka Association of Queensland is a non-profit organisation composed of Australian families whose heritage belongs to the Hakka people, a Chinese ethnic group. This organisation, now with over 200 members, was established to reconnect with each other as they raise their kids in different parts of Queensland.
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 property market in Forest Lake has outperformed itself, with a 20% growth that has taken the median house price above the half-million-dollar mark for the period October 2020 to September 2021.
Highlights
Forest Lake continues its upward trend with the property market rising to 20.05 per cent for October 2020 to September 2021.
Despite being short on supply since Forest Lake has mostly detached dwelling options, the suburb’s unit market has risen to 6.73 per cent.
This suburb’s median house price is now at $515,000 and the median unit price is at $293,500.
House Price Growth
Figures from Property Market Updates reflect a high demand for Forest Lake properties, as it experiences a 20.05 per cent growth from last year, with the median house price now sitting at $515,000.
From October 2020 to September 2021, 459 properties were sold for an average of 29 days on market, proving that the property boom in this southern suburb has continued post-pandemic.
Whilst the boom is good news for sellers and investors, industry experts believe that the rising trend will be sustained well into the next year. Thus, buyers are no longer sitting on the sidelines to wait for the cooling period.
Most buyers looking at Forest Lake go for four-bedroom properties, although three-bedroom homes are also selling fast.
About 92 per cent of dwelling options in this suburb are detached houses with nearly half on the mortgage, which has been one of the main drivers of the rumbling market with the current low-interest rates.
Unit Price Growth
While first-home buyers are struggling to compete in other markets with million-dollar price ranges, they could easily get on the property market with much less budget. The median unit price in Forest Lake is currently at $293,500 for the period October 2020 to September 2021.
During this 12-month period, 20 units had new owners following 52 days on market. Most of these have been three-bedroom homes, an ideal size for a growing family. The growth has been notable since unit stocks are low on supply in Forest Lake and apartment values in Brisbane generally do not enjoy the same rise in values as detached houses.
About Forest Lake
Established in the early 1990s, Forest Lake was developed and master-planned with families in mind and that has remained the same in the last 30 years. To the centre of the suburb is the parkland and lake from which Forest Lake was named.
Covering 10-hectares of natural space, the Forest Lake parkland offers residents plenty of things to do. With its careful layout as a leafy and relaxed community, this beautiful suburb has plenty of bike and walking tracks, playgrounds, and sports fields for adults and kids to enjoy.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The suburb also offers comprehensive school options for both primary and secondary education. Public transport access for trips to the city and neighbouring suburbs is fairly regular and residents could easily get everything they need at the Forest Lake Shopping Village.
“We have lived in Forest Lake for 5 years now and we adore it! We were inner city Dinks when we moved here almost 6 years ago, and had only lived in West End Wooloongabba and East Brisbane. Needless to say it was a change of pace! The first few nights we were shocked at how early everyone seemed to go to bed! We joked it was “lights out at 9:30 in Forest Lake!”. It’s very safe, very quiet, leafy, clean and so very very pretty!”
Vanessa Soma
“Forest Lake is a great place for kids with all the parks and families of all ages in the area. The neighbors on my street are all well educated, friendly professional types, and maintain their properties immaculately unlike other suburbs in Brisbane. Lots of community events like BBQs and kids parties as well which is fun for the family. Many of my family members are cops and they say the southwest of Brisbane has dramatically improved over the last year as patrols have increased and more first time home buyers are moving in.”
Jana 15
“I purchased in this suburb in late 2019. I was a bit worried at first, being 30 minutes with no traffic from the CBD and not in one of the so called “blue chip suburbs” that are shilled so much by “property experts”. The truth is, this suburb is great for young families that want to own their own property and have great outdoor recreation activities around and plenty of schools to choose from.”
Mr Kevin Lai, owner of Red Chilli Thai, said that after months of thinking over their options, he and his wife Kate have decided not to renew the lease of the restaurant. November 2021 will be the last time they will serve customers their authentic Thailand dishes like chilli cashew chicken, red curry beef, Pad Mae vegetables, and rice cakes.
Mr Lai bought the lease of Red Chilli Thai from its former owners in 2012 but the restaurant has been open since the shopping centre’s rise in the late 90s. The family has no plans to move the business elsewhere and will mull over their next chapter in the coming months.
Photo Credit: RedChilliThai/Google Maps
Red Chilli Thai has always been the reliable choice for families who need to sort out their lunch or dinner. Far from being a trendy eatery, Mr Lai and his crew have adapted to the times and willingly changed things up to entice repeat and regular customers.
Rebecca McKeown, the manager of Forest Lake Shopping Centre, has not yet named the establishment that will take over the venue but they welcome the opportunity to evolve the selection and meet customers’ needs.
It comes as Forest Lake Shopping Centre, a state-owned estate, ditches its plans to expand the southern section of the mall for more tenancies. The north side’s improvements, on the other hand, will entail a reconfiguration of the parking spaces and some much-needed upgrades and facelifts.
