Forest Lake Archives - Page 9 of 12

Shop, Mingle and Enjoy at the Forest Lake Twilight Markets this October

Since 2017, the fourth Saturday of the month has always been made special with the Twilight Markets set up by the southeast carpark area at Forest Lake Shopping Centre. The regular event will be underway again this Saturday, the 26th of Oct 2019, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Over 40 stallholders will set up shop at the Forest Lake Twilight Markets to offer unique goods, locally made items and interesting products. Here’s your chance to buy discounted and low-priced but quality stuff for yourself or to give to friends and family for Christmas.

Apart from shopping for produce, plants, fashion and lifestyle items, there will also be jumping castles for the kids, face paintin for the whole family, heaps of street food selections and live performances to keep the mood vibrant. There’s plenty to see and do at this market as you mingle with the locals or enjoy the food and music!

*Photo Credit: Forest Lake Community Market/Facebook*

Besides the stalls, Aldi, Coles and Woolworths will be open during the Twilight Markets for the convenience of shoppers. Some specialty stores within the shopping centre will be extending their trading hours to benefit the customers.

Since this is regular markets, locals who are interested in becoming a stallholder for future Forest Lake Twilight Markets may apply online. Watch out for the announcement of the three-month pre-bookings at discounted rates.

Council Outlines $1M Plan to Improve Water Quality in Forest Lake

Photo Credit: Enya2008/Wikimedia Commons

Earlier this year, Brisbane City Council announced it will allocate $1 million in its 2019 budget to address ibis infestation in Forest Lake. Now, BCC has come up with solutions to improve the health of the lake and has outlined them in the Forest Lake Strategic Management Plan.

In hopes of reducing algal blooms on Forest Lake and improve its ecosystem, BCC recommended the following solutions:

strategic rehabilitation within two of the inlet areas via de-silting,
immediate replanting in the inlet areas and in the deeper lake bed, where possible to assist with reducing nutrient levels in the sediment within those areas
ensure that there are macrophytes established to utilise available nutrients in the future
additional macrophyte planting more broadly across the open water areas of the lake, where possible, being designed in such a way that it achieves improved water quality outcomes

De-silting in areas of the lake is due to start in April 2020. It will be followed by replanting which is expected to be completed by late 2020.

Before coming up with a strategic management plan, BCC has undertaken water quality sampling and analysis as well as aquatic ecological assessment. The Council has been out on the lake with boats and sampling equipment since March 2019 to get a more in-depth understanding of the water quality.

It’s part of the Council’s existing efforts to manage Forest Lake, which already includes harvesting salvinia weed, running an ibis management program, cleaning out litter traps upstream of the lake, as well as collecting and disposing of algae scum.

The Strategic Management Plan was developed to identify future lake management options, recommend a lake monitoring plan, document the current condition of the lake, and document outcomes from the Forest Lake working group.

About the Lake

Forest Lake is an artificial lake originally designed to provide a recreational and visual amenity for the surrounding community, and to enhance the natural environment through the provision of habitat for flora and fauna.

The lake is clay lined, with concrete revetment edges, viewing platforms, access points and boulder edges. The volume of the lake is 272,000 cubic metres, with a 3.5 km hiking and biking trail.

Forest Lake: Among Top Suburbs with Highest Rental Yield

A recent study revealed that Forest Lake is among the top suburbs with the highest rental yield.

Place Advisory’s latest property data crunch showed that among Brisbane suburbs, Forest Lake along with Darra, Ellen Grove, and Kuraby have the highest weekly rental yield for a 3-bedroom house at five percent. Considering the median price, however, Darra tops the list with a more affordable median house price of $350,500.

Forest Lake, on the other hand, has a median price of $382,000 and weekly rental price of $365. Looking at CoreLogic’s propertyvalue.com.au suburb profile report for Forest Lake, covering data over the last 12 months, the median asking rent for houses is at $395 per week and a gross yield of 4.6%.

The suburbs of Durack, Richlands, Inala, Doolandella, Acacia Ridge, Willawong, Pallara, Larapinta, Heathwood follow with a weekly rent yield of 4.7 percent. Experts believe that a move towards six percent yield is possible, although five percent is already a good yield.

In terms of rental income, New Farm is the top suburb with a weekly rental income of $650 and a yield of 2.5 percent. New Farm is followed by Spring Hill and Petrie Terrace ($600 / 3.6%); Paddington and Milton ($600 / 3.4%); Red Hill and Kelvin Grove ($565 / 3.6 %); and Auchenflower and Toowong ($555 / 3.6).

During the first quarter of 2019, the rental market in Brisbane continued to tighten, as Inner Brisbane and Brisbane LGA record their lowest vacancy rates — 2.1% and 2.5%, respectively — years after the local market was hit by supply glut.

Experts at Place Advisory attributes the strong performance to the increasing rate of population growth in these two markets; conversely, the rate of supply of new dwellings entering the market is declining. The tightening supply has also resulted in rental price growth during the first quarter of 2019, across all property types.

BCC Funds Allocation for Forest Lake, Other Southwest Suburbs Road Projects Revealed

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.

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.

Get Your Toastie and Coffee Fix at The Espresso Lab in Forest Lake

Located at a shopping centre on Joseph Banks Avenue in Forest Lake is the tiny cafe known as The Espresso Lab.

Since it opened in 2017, this restaurant has been known for its diverse choices of toasties paired with a cup of nutty-flavoured Italian roasted coffee.

The Espresso Lab’s menu changes from time to time so it’s hard to pick a classic favourite to stick with. However, you’ll likely keep coming back to try the toasties to spice up your breakfast or brunch.

In the past, The Espresso Lab has served a Hawaiian Toastie with pineapple, pizza sauce, ham and cheese and a Minced Toastie filled with beefy and cheesy goodness. They’ve also prepared Blueberries with Cream Toastie, which could pass off as a meal and dessert rolled into one.

*Photo Credit: ForestLakeCoffe/Facebook*

The cafe also offers heartwarming soup on a chilly winter’s day. At certain periods, the toasties come with a free drink.

This business prides in its homemade preparations. The coffee choices, on the other hand, are decent and the store also offers eggnogs, chai latte, hot chocolate and tea if coffee isn’t your thing.

Store hours for The Espresso Lab change by the season. However, the cafe is usually open for breakfast at 6:00 a.m. until brunch.

“Amazing coffee.
Amazing Avocado on toast.
Amazing friendly owner & staff.
Never disappointed.”
~ Tonia Russo, Facebook

“Best $2 cheese toasties in the city. Love supporting local businesses and The Expresso Lab customer service is second to none.”
~ Steven Trlin, Google Reviews

Celebrate a Family Fun Day at Forest Lake Toy Library This April

If you’re looking for something to do with the whole family this Sunday, the 14th of April 2019, drop by Forest Lake Toy Library on High Street for a Family Fun Day!

This event will run from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., where the children may participate in activities like face painting or experience a wonderful time in messy play or the jumping castle.

Raffle prizes for the children will also be given away during the Family Fun Day. The entrance fee is good for one gold coin per person but once inside, the kids can play with any toy or equipment to their heart’s desire.

*Photo Credit:* *Forest Lake Toy Library/Facebook*

But there’s also something for the adults attending this event. There will be various food stalls for moms and dads to try, as well as market stalls to buy keepsakes and other interesting items.

This Sunday will also be a good opportunity to talk to the volunteers to learn more about the Forest Lake Toy Library membership, playgroups and toy swaps. MP Charles Strunk will also be expected to join the event at 1:00 p.m. to meet and mingle with the families.

The Forest Lake Toy Library is an innovative and environment-friendly way of keeping the kids occupied. Members can borrow any toy from the library. If the kid gets bored with the toy, simply bring the toy back to the library and borrow another toy.

The toy library not only gives members access to heaps of toys, but also promotes a sustainable environment and a home free from toy clutter.

Overall, the Family Fun Day should be a great opportunity to get to know the people in the community. But the event also serves as a way to express the community’s appreciation to these local businesses, which have contributed to the improvement of the Forest Lake Toy Library:

$1M Allocated to Improve Water Quality, Address Ibis Infestation in Forest Lake

Photo credit: Google Street View

More than $1 million has been committed over a two-and-a-half year period to address ongoing issues in Forest Lake. The funding will be used to improve the lake’s water quality, tackle algae and address the increasing ibis population.

The 10.9-hectare man-made recreational lake used to be an area where family and friends could gather amidst picturesque surroundings. Now the lake’s declining environment is driving locals away.

“The lake was originally one of the reasons people moved and bought here. They proudly took visitors from other suburbs, interstate and overseas for walks and picnics at the lake. Now, instead of walking, locals are driving out to other suburbs for outdoor recreation. This has detrimental repercussions for example on ‘sense of community’ and local businesses,” a local commented in a Change.org petition in hopes of saving the lake.

In January 2019, a number of local residents even formed a group called the Lake Action Group. The group hopes to find a long-term to solution by actively researching, contacting experts in the field of lake restoration, communicating with council and encouraging community involvement.

News about infestation of ibis surfaced in 2017. At the time, there were already thousands of ibises in the area and they were already causing damage to the environs. The Council implemented some rules, such as reducing food sources and installation of signages that warn visitors not to feed the birds.

Algae infestation also contributes to the challenges of maintaining the lake. The blue-green algae bloom that caused some concern to locals in 2011 occurred again in 2017. Residents have been advised not to enter the water due to the high toxicity levels from the algae bloom.

With this initiative to save the lake, the community could see the lake’s beauty that was once lost.

“Brisbane’s natural environment makes our city one of Australia’s best places to live, work and relax and it’s important we work together to protect our waterways to ensure future generations will continue to enjoy them,” Team Quirk wrote on Facebook.

Forest Lake Residents Raise ‘Fighting Fund’ Against The Esplanade Retirement High-Rise Development

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Residents in Forest Lake are joining forces against a high-rise developer who plans to build a high-rise retirement village at 5 The Esplanade. The legal battle, which started last July 2018, is expected to cost a substantial amount of money to pay for the services of a barrister who shall contest the developer’s appeal on their behalf.

On the afternoon of 12 Jan, the residents gathered at the ampitheatre for its fundraising meeting. Forest Lake Action Group (FLAG) spokesperson Hamish Krammer hopes that more people will take an active stance against the development.

James Property Group submitted its building plans for the company’s first 8-storey retirement village in Forest Lake to the Brisbane City Council in April 2018. Members of the council, however, blocked the proposal, thus the group’s JRD Number 2 director Jim Dupuis filed an appeal, with some minor changes to the project, with the Planning and Environment Court.

The developer’s modified plan will instead have a 6-storey building. Mr Dupuis emphasised that the retirement village will benefit the community as there are more demands for quality living spaces. He also said that he has a few other developments in mind for the Forest Lake community.

Hundreds of residents have been regularly attending the protest meetings since they have signed on as co-respondents against the appeal. Local solicitor Gregory Huddleston and the town planner Shane Howard have been advising and representing FLAG pro bono. FLAG also has the support of MP for Oxley Milton Dick and Councillor Charles Strunk.

The local community is against the said development since the building “is inconsistent with the Brisbane City Plan 2014 and the Forest Lake Neighbourhood Plan,” the petition underscored. The building will also apparently block the view from the lake, which may impact the residents. The excessive height of the proposed retirement village might also set a pattern for more high-rise developers to construct buildings that may ruin the landscape and architecture of the community.

However, Mr Dupuis downplayed the feedback from the residents by stating that there will always be complaints. FLAG, however, is still rallying up more residents to sign as co-respondents.

The Forest Lake Boardwalk Undergoes Rehabilitation

The Forest Lake Boardwalk will undergo rehabilitation works beginning 21 November and should be completed, weather permitting, by 14 December, as announced by the Brisbane City Council.

For three weeks, the boardwalk (B9791) at the the Lake Parklands in Forest Lake in front of the Amphitheatre will be closed. Rehabilitation works include the replacement of the deteriorated timber components.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council/flickr.com/photos/brisbanecitycouncil*

The rehabilitation works is scheduled to be done Monday to Friday from 7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. However, should there be a need for these hours to be extended, residents will be notified in advance.

Residents are also advised of the following inconveniences while the rehabilitation works are underway:

A Construction compound
Noise during work hours
Closure of view deck
About The Lake Parklands, Forest Lake

The Lake Parklands is a scenic picnic and playground spot in Forest Lake that offers families a place to picnic, bike, canoe, or to just simply walk and admire the greenery and the beauty of the Lake. It is also home to some wildlife such as swans, turtles, and pelicans.

The Lake is around 2.5 kilometres in circumference or about 45 minutes walk. So, it is a great spot to run or do just about any workout routine.

Features facilities of The Lake Parklands:

Accessible toilet
Electric barbecue
booking sites
car park situated at Seabrook Crescent, Alexandrina Circuit, The Esplanade (Jetty Walk), Forest Lake Boulevard, and Freshwater Circuit
fitness station (The Esplanade)
fitness trail (Alexandrina Circuit, Lakeside Crescent)
path and bikeway network (Forest Lake Circuit)
picnic area at the Freshwater Circuit, The Esplanade (Jetty Walk), and Alexandrina Circuit
playground located at the Freshwater Circuit, Grand Avenue, Ibis Circuit, The Esplanade (Jetty Walk), and Wivenhoe Circuit
public toilet (Forest Lake Boulevard)
shared pathway (Forest Lake South, Forest Lake Boulevard)
tennis court and basketball half court (Ibis Circuit)
wi-fi

Forest Lake Pushes for the Trial of the Stormwater Drainpipe Net

To address the litter problems in Forest Lake, Councillor Charles Strunk is calling for the trial of the stormwater drainpipe net that will help prevent rubbish from flowing into the lake.

Net Success In Western Australia

The City of Kwinana in Perth was the first one to try the drainage nets at Henly Reserve. The net, which costs $20,000 each, was placed on the outlet of two drainage pipes located between residential and natural areas.

They installed two nets in March 2018 and by August, they managed to collect 370 kilograms of debris. The city shared its success on their Facebook page, which garnered positive feedback and has reached over 2 million people.

The net is designed to prevent solid waste and gross pollutants from getting into nature reserves.

Reaching Queensland

The success of the net quickly spread that even Bayside councillors called for a trial of the nets. However, Brisbane City Council said that not all councillors are on-board and mentioned the already set up pollutant traps across the city. There are also drainage nets in sites across the city specifically at the Walton Bridge in The Gap.

Currently, Cr Strunk continues to make the suburb litter-free through the Forest Lake Litter Clean-Up team of volunteers. Earlier this month, the team collected numerous bread clips around the area.

Should the trial of the net be approved by the council, Cr Strunk aims to place it on top of the Forest lake cascades.