A worker from Forest Lake is now $150,000 richer after she decided to swing by the Nextra Forest Lake News shop at the Forest Lake Village Shopping Centre for a quick $10 Jumbo Crossword scratch ticket during her lunch break.
She didn’t expect to win the top prize as she worked on scratching the ticket at the office lunchroom whilst her co-workers watched.
The winner said that she thought she won $15,000, which was already a thrilling surprise.
But her co-workers told her she apparently missed out scratching one of the letters, which eventually turned out to be $150,000!
The woman said that winning in mid-September was “a very big shock” that she could not stop shaking.
She plans to use the money to pay off her car loan.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
“Then I will use the rest of my prize to put a deposit down on a house. And I will hopefully be able to help out some family members as well,” the winner said. “It’s all very exciting!”
Nextra Forest Lake News staff Emma Jesberg said it’s great to know that another one customer is going to have such a life-changing experience. The store has sold winning tickets over the years, while the local woman is now one of the over 150 instant scratch top prize winner since July 2019.
Social distancing, contactless payment and take aways only — these are part of the new normal amidst the pandemic crisis. These safety practices will also be observed as the Food Truck Pop Ups return to Forest Lake on Friday, 14 Aug 2020.
Held at the parking lot opposite the Forest Lake State School in Woogaroo Street, the food trucks will be ready to serve diners from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visitors may choose from six tasty selections:
Micasa Burger Truck
Serving American-style burger since 2014, the Micasa Burger Truck team has been in the food truck business since the late 1990s. Their menu choices are inspired by the movie Pulp Fiction. The concept is fun and the food is filling!
Photo Credit: Food Truck Pop Ups/Facebook
Rolls Pho Mi
Specializing in Vietnamese street food, Rolls Pho Mi is run by the husband and wife team of Duy and Steph. Their menu is a collection of recipes acquired by Duy’s mum, Dung. Don’t forget to try their signature dish, the 24-hour Pho.
Savor these freshly baked, light and fluffy pillows of sweet dough. Choose from jams, chocolate sauce or custards as fillers. Donut Kitchen has vegan, gluten free and dairy free options.
Photo Credit: Food Truck Pop Ups/Facebook
Rolling Stone Pizza
This small food truck has a mobile authentic wood-fired pizza oven serving 9 to 11 inches of warm pizza goodness. Rolling Stone Pizza has a broad menu of flavourful comfort food, including gluten-free and vegan choices.
Tender Calamari
Tasty and tender calamari, what more is there to ask for? The calamari is freshly cooked on-site so you get only the best. The Tender Calamari food truck has been around Brisbane since 2014.
Ruby the Little Red Ice Cream Van has been serving colourful and flavourful ice creams for 14 years. The food truck is a 1973 ice cream van imported from Southampton, England. The ice cream is churned using an Italian Carpigiani ice cream machine and comes out “fully dairy based, halal certified and gluten free.”
Photo Credit: Food Truck Pop Ups/Facebook
The Food Truck initiative helps small businesses during this pandemic. With the permission of the Council, vendors can reach more markets by setting up shop at temporary Council-controlled sites across Brisbane.
Brisbane City Council is currently in the midst of a $1.1 million investment into the implementation of long-term solutions to address the issues and improve the health of Forest Lake, as part of an overall Forest Lake management plan.
Stage One : Desilting & Reducing the Nutrient Load
The Forest Lake Management Plan provides an evidence-based solution in two stages. Stage One involves strategic desilting at both of the lake’s inlet areas of the lake, aiming to reduce nutrient loads where the nutrient and sediment levels are highest. This will ensure control and management of algal blooms across the lake.
Algal Blooms
Over the summer months, both heat and rainfall have contributed to some significant changes in Forest Lake.
Council has cleaned up debris from lake inlets and from various stormwater quality improvement device units, after storm events in late 2019 and early 2020. Rainfall has resulted in a runoff, introducing additional nutrients into the lake.
Increased water temperature due to the summer weather, coupled with the runoff, constitute ideal conditions for the growth of blue-green and green algae, leading to an observable decrease in water clarity in the lake, and the musty odour that residents and visitors have characteristically observed.
As a result, Council has been extracting pockets of algal build-up in the pockets near Santorini Place and Freshwater Circuit. Likewise, suction trucks are on standby to remove algal blooms as they occur in accessible areas of the lake.
Photo Credit: Enya2008/Wikimedia Commons
Harvesting Salvinia growth
Salvinia, an invasive plant, has continued to grow at Forest Lake. This growth has actually been helping to minimise blue-green algal blooms at the lake by reducing the nutrient levels in the water.
To prevent Salvinia, overgrowth, Council has been conducting regular monitoring and harvesting. A trial harvest was done in March 2020, using a small machine which was deemed inadequate. Larger equipment has been allocated and harvesting has been planned to ensure that over half of the current Salvinia growth remains in the lake, to make sure that nutrients are kept at a level that does not encourage algal growth.
Drainage Maintenance
As part of Council’s drainage and creek rehabilitation maintenance program, drainage maintenance works have been performed from Jindabyne Circuit to Illawarra Close, along the table drain that leads into Forest Lake at Seabrook Crescent, Forest Lake.
Ongoing maintenance works include desilting of existing sediment ponds, removal of undesirable tree species, clearing of existing drainage infrastructure, channel reinstatement, and stabilisation of the lake’s banks to reduce bed scour and erosion. Maintenance are expected to be completed by mid-2020.
Routine inspection and maintenance procedures are in place to ensure collection of litter, clearing of traps, treatment of weeds, testing of the lake water and monitoring the overall health of the lake.
Management of the Ibis Population
Ibises in Bird Island a.k.a. “Bin Chicken Island” on Forest Lake
In February 2020, 42 ibises were observed to be roosting at Forest Lake. Waste droppings from the ibis population on the lake has led to excess nutrients which also contributed to algal bloom in the past. The 2020 population is already a significant decline from over 400 ibises observed in 2018.
Wildlife consultants have recommended egg and nest movement, along with vegetation management to further manage the ibis population and prevent it from increasing again.
Vegetation management will ensure that reeds and rushes where ibises roost will be replaced with something less suitable for them to inhabit. Council has announced that the planting of alternate vegetation will be determined by the cattle egret bird breeding season, from September to March.
Stage Two : Replanting Program
Stage Two involves introducing 70,000 new plants in the desilted areas of the lake and also, more broadly around it to further reduce the nutrient levels in the lake. Activities for the first half of 2020 include sourcing of seeds and soil, plus beginning to grow the plants for the lake, according to their life cycles.
Overall Solution
Overall, the Forest Lake Expert Working Group has divided its lake management options into four categories:
reducing nutrient levels by controlling contributing factors entering the lake and within it;
managing light availability;
recreating a more ‘plant-based’ lake system; and
potentially increasing water movement in the lake to reduce stagnation.
The sunny weather opens opportunities for a lot of playtimes outdoors this school holiday. In Forest Lake, there are two exciting activities lined up at The Lake Parklands, which won’t cost a penny and it’s pretty easy to book.
These FREE school holiday activities provide a few hours of fun that will enrich your children’s summer. They also learn new skills even whilst school is out.
What
LONGBOARD LESSONS
Where
The Lake Parklands 5 Alexandrina Circuit, Forest Lake Meeting point: playground
When
Monday, 6th of Jan 2020 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This activity is suitable for children between the ages of 10 to 17. Qualified ASF coaches will be teaching the kids the basics for beginners but those who have some experience with longboarding may also pick up advanced techniques from the trainers. Boards and helmets will be provided but it’s advisable for participants to bring their own, including knee pads, gloves and other form of protection.
Registration is required for this session. Book here or phone Anna at 0434 882 982 for reservations.
The Lake Parklands 5 Alexandrina Circuit, Forest Lake Meeting point: car park
When
Monday, 17th of Jan 2020 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Would you like your child to become a team player? This activity allows your son or daughter to learn skills like teamwork, strategizing, coordination and collaboration. This session is for eight 10 to 15-year-old children.
Registration is required. Phone Glenn of Life. Be in It. at 0403 221 676 to reserve a slot.
Grab this chance for your kids to be engaged in something really exciting besides fiddling on their gadgets or mobile phones. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the session starts so that your children may have a chance to break the ice with the other participants.
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.
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.
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.
The Council has allocated funds under its 2019-20 Budget for several road projects for Brisbane’s southwest suburbs including Forest Lake, Ellen Grove, Richlands, Pallara, and Inala.
Out of the $3.15 billion budget, the Brisbane City Council will spend $818 million for infrastructure projects that will help ease congestion including major intersection upgrades, projects to combat congestion, and road resurfacing.
“Team Schrinner is investing $818 million to help get residents home quicker and safer,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.
Some key highlights of the Council infrastructure projects budget allocation, according to Lord Mayor Schrinner, include key corridor upgrades at Kingsford Smith Drive with additional lanes, as well as intersection upgrade projects which will include Camp Hill, Runcorn, Nundah, Middle Park, and South Brisbane.
Wedgetail Street, Inala | Photo Credit: Google Street View / google.com/maps
Budget allocation for Southwest suburbs Forest Lake, Ellen Grove, Richlands, Inala, and Pallara infrastructure project:
Roads Network Resurfacing
Suburb
Proposed $000
Grand Avenue
Forest Lake
160
Joseph Banks Avenue
Forest Lake
215
June Court
Ellen Grove
33
Muriel Avenue
Ellen Grove
123
Pauline Avenue
Ellen Grove
68
Wedgetail Street
Inala
161
Acer Street
Inala
49
Aquarius Street
Inala
60
Clematis Street
Inala
108
Goldfinch Street
Inala
182
Lepus Street
Inala
45
Magnolia Street
Inala
135
Wedgetail Street
Inala
161
Freeman Road
Richlands
503
Kimberley Street
Richlands
55
Blunder Road
Pallara
278
Congestion Busting Projects
Suburb
Proposed $000
Inala Avenue at Blunder Road
Inala
619
Progress Rd at Archerfield Rd
Richlands
540
Major Traffic Improvements – Intersections
Suburb
Proposed $000
Azalea Street/Eugenia Street
Inala
201
*Source: Annual Plan and Budget Brisbane City Council
Council will also allocate funds for the construction of dedicated river walks and bikeways. This will include a $1.6-million budget allocation to provide safer paths to schools and a $25.5-million investment on bikeway links in Nudgee, Murarrie, Wakerley and Wishart as well as the construction of Botanic Gardens Riverwalk.
Other fund allocations include the $24.6-million for the Wynnum Road corridor upgrade project and $24.8 million to complete the Murphy and Ellison roads roundabout upgrade in Geebung. Lastly, Council have also committed $40 million towards the construction of Lindum Open Level Crossing.
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
Photo Credit: ForestLakeCoffe/Facebook
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.
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.
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:
