Pallara Archives - Forest Lake News

Domino’s Pallara Opens with $2 Pizza Deal and Job Opportunities

A new Domino’s store in Pallara is set to open, offering affordable pizzas and new job opportunities for the community. The store’s launch will include a $2 pizza promotion, with all proceeds supporting Pallara State School.

Palla Shopping Village — *Photo Credit: Pallara Shopping Village/Instagram*

A New Addition to Pallara’s Food Scene

Domino’s Pallara will officially open on Friday, 7 March, introducing another convenient dining option for local residents. To mark the occasion, the store will hold a Grand Opening event at 10:00 a.m., followed by a $2 pizza deal running from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m..

The entire amount raised during this one-hour promotion will go directly to Pallara State School, reflecting the store’s commitment to giving back to the local community. The store is located at Pallara Shopping Village, 201 Gooderham Road.

Bringing New Jobs to the Community

The Pallara store opening is expected to create up to 35 local job opportunities, further supporting employment in the area. This store is the 10th Domino’s location for the franchise owners, who have been in the pizza industry for decades. Their existing network of stores already employs more than 300 people, and the latest expansion in Pallara continues their investment in local job creation.

Domino's Pallara opening — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Strengthening Community Connections

Beyond employment, the new store also focuses on building strong ties with the Pallara community. The $2 pizza donation drive for Pallara State School is just the beginning of its community engagement efforts.

The store aims to support local causes and initiatives, encouraging community members to reach out if they know of organisations or individuals needing assistance.

Local officials, including Milton Dick, Linus Power, Leeanne Enoch, and Emily Kim, have been invited to attend the launch, highlighting the store’s significance in the local area.

A Welcome Expansion for Pallara

With affordable pizza options, job creation, and a strong focus on community involvement, Domino’s Pallara’s arrival is set to make a positive impact. Locals are encouraged to visit the new store on 7 March to participate in the $2 pizza promotion, supporting a local school while enjoying freshly made pizzas.

Published 4-Mar-2025

Pallara Residents Demand Action on Power Outages and Infrastructure

Pallara is grappling with frequent power outages and lagging infrastructure, leaving residents frustrated and demanding action from local and state governments.

Power Problems Plague Pallara

Recent power outages have again highlighted the ongoing reliability issues facing Pallara residents. A recent outage, reportedly caused by a fallen tree on a power line, is just the latest in a string of disruptions. Community members report that these repeated outages are unacceptable and significantly impact their daily lives and businesses.

Local representatives have acknowledged the community’s concerns, with one representative stating they sympathise with the frustration and disruption caused by the outages. They confirmed that they have written to Energex and the State Energy Minister, seeking urgent action to address this persistent problem.

Residents are being encouraged to contact the Minister and Energex directly, outlining the impact of these outages on their households and businesses, further to amplify the call for a reliable power supply. It has been noted that the local Member of Parliament has also contacted Energex to request an explanation for the repeated power failures.

Infrastructure Struggles to Keep Pace with Growth

Beyond the power issues, Pallara’s rapid population growth has significantly strained existing infrastructure. Residents and local representatives have voiced concerns about inadequate road networks, limited public transport options, and the need for improved school safety measures.

One local representative has been actively engaging with Council, meeting with Committee Chairs and raising Pallara’s infrastructure needs in Council meetings. They have also written to the relevant Council representatives to advocate for investment in road upgrades, improved public transport, and safer school zones.

Residents feel that Pallara has been overlooked regarding essential services, which is unacceptable given the suburb’s rapid expansion.

Community Advocacy Efforts

Local representatives are urging residents to join the call for improved services. They encourage community members to directly contact relevant State and Council representatives to express their concerns and demand action. While some representatives have acknowledged limitations in their direct control over energy infrastructure, they have pledged to continue advocating for the community’s needs.

One representative has also addressed concerns about their communication on social media, explaining that their account is often subject to delays on some platforms and that their focus on community meetings and events limits their time online. They have encouraged residents to contact their office directly via email for a more timely response.

Looking Ahead

Pallara residents are now looking to both Energex and the State Government to provide concrete solutions to the ongoing power issues. They are also calling on Council to prioritise infrastructure development to ensure it can adequately support the growing community. The community must ensure Pallara receives the essential services and infrastructure to thrive.

Published Date 04-Feb-2025

Pallara Preps Triple the Excitement for First Day of School

The first day of school brought triple the excitement for the Patels of Pallara, as three-year-old triplets Mizaan, Matilda, and Miraya eagerly began attending Pallara State School.

They especially looked forward to using laptops, learning to read, and making new friends.

The Patel triplets are just three of an estimated 12,000 Mater babies expected to begin their school journey across Queensland this week. Their story is unique: They were born prematurely at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane on 27 September 2019 and spent their first month under the dedicated care of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Patels of Pallara — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The triplets’ birth was rare. Like the Patels, naturally occurring triplets have a one-in-10,000 chance of happening. Adding to the uniqueness, Matilda and Miraya are monochorionic diamniotic twins, meaning they are identical and share a placenta during pregnancy, each having an amniotic sac. This type of twinning within a triplet pregnancy is even rarer, occurring in approximately one in 20,000 cases.

Born at 34 weeks and three days gestation, the trio arrived within minutes of each other. Mizaan led the way, followed by Matilda, and finally Miraya. Due to Matilda’s slightly smaller size, doctors decided to deliver the triplets early to ensure her healthy development.

As their children prepare to enter the classroom, parents Priyanka and Vrujal Patel are experiencing a mix of emotions. While they admit the house feels much quieter, they are pleased the triplets will be in the same class. Mrs Patel believes the girls will watch out for their brother, as they share a close bond, evident in their enjoyment of activities like swimming and gymnastics.

Mrs Patel describes her children as having distinct personalities that will keep their teacher on their toes. Mizaan, the social butterfly of the group, loves the outdoors and exploring new places. Matilda, known for her kindness and gentle nature, enjoys creative pursuits and spending time with loved ones. Miraya, the youngest, has a mischievous streak and a knack for getting her way.

The Patel triplets will mark Pallara State School with their unique personalities and shared history.

Published Date 29-Jan-2025

Local Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Lot Reconfiguration on Ritchie Road

Residents in Pallara are raising concerns over a proposed development at Ritchie Road, which aims to reconfigure a 41,910-square-metre site into 60 residential lots.

Read: Fast-Tracked Developments in Forest Lake and Pallara to Boost Local Housing Options

The proposal for 226 Ritchie Road includes 57 residential lots ranging from 250 to 450 sqm and three lifestyle lots, sparking both support and opposition from locals.

The primary concerns expressed by residents revolve around inadequate infrastructure, potential privacy breaches, and traffic congestion.

One resident voiced their strong objection in a submission to the council, highlighting the area’s infrastructure limitations:

“I oppose this proposal due to the significant infrastructure limitations in the area. There are no footpaths, the roads are narrow and in poor condition. Introducing a large subdivision with additional housing, without any upgrades to infrastructure or public transport, will only exacerbate traffic on the single entry and exit road into Pallara, leading to negative impacts on the current residents.”

One resident expressed concern that if the development proceeds and if two-storey homes are built there, it could negatively impact their mental health, citing that their social anxiety and panic disorder might be triggered by balconies or windows overlooking their property.

Ritchie Road — Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online

While some residents oppose the project outright, a few support the proposal but argue for necessary infrastructure upgrades to address the challenges posed by increased population density.

“I don’t entirely oppose, but we have a big concern about how Hideaway Street will cope with the extra traffic caused by this new development being connected to our estate,” said one resident.

“Unless traffic lights or a roundabout are installed at the intersection of Ritchie Road and Hideaway Street (near the entrance of Hideaway Estate) & Van Dieren Road, it will create a chaotic situation for us existing households.”

Suggestions from concerned locals include widening roads, adding street parking, and enhancing traffic management systems to ease congestion.

Public submissions for feedback on the proposal closed on December 19, but the project remains under review by city officials. Whether the concerns raised by residents will be addressed in the final decision remains to be seen.

Read: New School Planned for Growing Pallara Community Amidst Soaring Enrolment Numbers

For now, Pallara residents await the council’s response, hoping their voices will influence the future of their community.

Published 24-December-2024

Fast-Tracked Developments in Forest Lake and Pallara to Boost Local Housing Options

Two major housing developments in Forest Lake and Pallara have been fast-tracked to help meet the community’s growing need for housing options.

As part of a broader initiative to address Queensland’s housing shortage, these projects aim to deliver terrace homes, small-lot homes, and apartments, with a commitment to ensuring 15 per cent of these homes remain affordable.

The development in Forest Lake will create about 25 homes per hectare, providing a diverse range of housing types to suit different needs. Meanwhile, in Pallara, the development will cover a 3.23-hectare site, with plans for similar housing types.

40, 41, 50, 55 & 60 Woodvale Crescent and 205A Woogaroo Street, Forest Lake
70 & 78 Kraft Road, Pallara

Pallara Housing Development — *Photo Credit: QLDGovt*

Accelerating Development to Meet Community Needs

The fast-tracked nature of these developments is part of a streamlined approval process to speed up the delivery of new homes. By reducing approval times to just 75 business days, these projects are expected to begin construction sooner, providing much-needed housing options for families and individuals.

The developments are located in areas well-connected to essential services such as schools, public transport, and employment opportunities, making them ideal locations for new housing.

GM TFP Pty Ltd is leading the development in Pallara, while Woodvale Crescent Pty Ltd manages the Forest Lake project. These projects are expected to significantly increase the supply of new homes, alleviating some of the pressure in the local housing market.

Forest Lake Housing options — Forest Lake
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Pallara Housing Options — Pallara
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Supporting Local Housing Growth

In parallel with these fast-tracked projects, the Community Housing Futures program provides additional support to housing providers, ensuring they can manage and grow their housing portfolios. This program provides access to grants, training, and expert advice, helping community housing providers to expand their role in delivering more social and affordable homes across Queensland.

Managed by key organisations, including the Community Housing Industry Association (Queensland), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland, and Q Shelter, the program focuses on helping housing providers strengthen their ability to meet local housing needs. This is seen as a critical part of the effort to increase the availability of affordable housing in communities across Queensland, ensuring that housing providers can continue to grow and support residents in need.

The developments are focused on creating well-located homes that are close to key services and amenities, helping to improve the quality of life for residents. The combination of fast-tracked approvals and community-focused support programs aims to ensure that more Queenslanders have access to safe, affordable, and well-connected housing options in the near future.

Published 2-Oct-2024

Open Hands Neighbourhood in Pallara Doubles Capacity to Combat Cost-of-Living Crisis

Photo Credit: Open Hands Community Care/ Facebook

The Open Hands Neighbourhood, a community service enterprise in Pallara that provides cost-of-living assistance to over 600 households weekly, has significantly expanded its operations thanks to support from Carinity.

The Open Hands Neighbourhood Marketplace, operated by The House of Prayer, has unveiled a larger shopfront for its food relief program. The marketplace at 318 Ritchie Road offers discounted food and groceries—up to 75 percent off retail prices—and free food hampers to refugees, migrants, individuals, and families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Enhanced capacity to meet growing demand

*Photo Credit:* *Open Hands Community Care/ Facebook*

Funding from Carinity’s Collaborative Community Projects has enabled the installation of a new demountable building, housing a larger shop with a wider range of grocery products. Sherifaye Kargbo from The House of Prayer stated that the new marketplace is double the size of the previous site, which began assisting people in need in 2020 as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, the number of people supported by Open Hands Neighbourhood Marketplace each week has increased fivefold, with people travelling from as far away as Bundaberg, Morayfield, and the Gold Coast to receive assistance.

Addressing the Cost-of-Living Crisis

The rising cost of living has led to a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking assistance, with 75% more households needing help each week over the past 18 months.

Elders from The House of Prayer and Leeann Enoch, a State Member for Algester, officially opened the new Open Hands Neighbourhood Marketplace shopfront.

Enoch emphasised the importance of Open Hands in providing essential support and food relief to individuals and families and how the new shopfront will enable them to continue their community support in a safe and supportive environment.

The marketplace operates from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday.

Published Date 04-September-2024

New School Planned for Growing Pallara Community Amidst Soaring Enrolment Numbers

The Pallara community, facing a surge in school enrolments, is actively planning for a new high school to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of students in the area.

The Pallara community’s growth has been accompanied by a sharp increase in school enrolments, pressuring current educational facilities to meet the demand.

The Pallara Future School Working Group, established a few years ago, has been pivotal in addressing these challenges. The group, in collaboration with the Department of Education, local school principals, P&Cs, and government representatives, is pushing for an independent evaluation of student numbers.

This initiative aims to secure a definitive plan for a new school in Pallara, ensuring the community’s educational infrastructure can cope with the expected growth.

Community Mobilisation and Support

Community support is crucial for moving forward with the educational developments in Pallara. Local residents are encouraged to participate by signing a petition either online or through physical forms distributed by supporters within the community.

The initiative seeks to gather widespread backing to affirm the need for a new high school, which will enhance educational opportunities and ensure that the future generations of Pallara have adequate learning environments.

Statewide Educational Trends

According to a recent analysis, several of Queensland’s primary schools, including Pallara State School, are set to experience substantial enrolment increases by 2027. Pallara State School alone anticipates an uptick of 472 students, bringing the total to 1600.

This trend is reflected across various schools in the Southeast, highlighting a broader regional need for expanded educational facilities.

The Queensland government is proactive in its approach to the looming capacity crisis in schools. With new schools planned and expansions underway, there is a concerted effort to ensure that all state schools, including those in Pallara, are equipped to handle the forecasted growth.

A Department of Education spokesman highlighted the government’s readiness to adapt to changing forecasts and provide necessary infrastructure enhancements to support student needs across the region.

Published 20-June-2024

Pallara Home’s Drain Pipe Blockage Reveals Interesting Find

A homeowner in Pallara had to call for help for what seemed to be a drain pipe blockage causing a water overflow from his roof. Thinking he would find a pile of rotting leaves, he checked and guess what he found?

Inside the drainpipe was a non-venomous Coastal Carpet Python. Bryce Lockett from Snake Catchers Brisbane and Gold Coast was asked to remove the reptile. The anxious homeowner was floored to learn that it was about 2.5 metres long.

“He was extremely surprised a large 2.5 metre python could fit in such a small space,” Mr Lockett said in the footage of the snake’s removal that went viral on TikTok with over 1.4 million views.

Coastal Carpet Python is common in Queensland’s rainforests and dry woodlands. Their diet is mostly rodents and possums, but they can also prey on suburban pets like cats, dogs and birds. Though non-venomous, their bites may cause substantial lacerations or punctures.

“Just remember in Queensland a blocked down pipe isn’t always from leaves,” Mr Lockett wrote in the captions.

The Coastal Carpet Python was safely relocated to nearby bushland. Mr Lockett, who has been catching snakes for 11 years, said he loves the job because “no two days are the same”.

@brycegrylls Just remember in Queensland a blocked down pipe isn’t always from leaves! #snakecatcher #fyp #python #australia ♬ Power – Interupt

Published 5 April 2023

Building Expansion Can’t Keep Pace with Pallara State School Enrolment Surge

Construction delays at one of Queensland’s fastest-growing schools, Pallara State School, can’t keep pace with the rapid growth of student enrollment. Due to this increased demand and current overcapacity, some parents have expressed concerns that their children might not have classrooms when the new school term starts.

Following the opening of Pallara State School in 2016, several housing developments around the area have pushed the Department of Education to prioritise the school’s expansion.

In June 2022, the Queensland Government’s 2022 to 2023 budget included the delivery of $4.4 million for more classrooms. However, the new buildings apparently won’t be ready until late March 2023, per a spokesperson.

Instead, the Department of Education will be setting up alternative classrooms until the actual buildings become operational. But some parents feel this solution will affect their children’s learning despite assurances that these temporary spaces will have classrooms and play areas conducive to learning.

An official from Pallara State School said that if the new buildings are already installed, the school could accept 1,260 students as opposed to the current maximum enrolment capacity of 1,142 students.

Would Public Transport Be Able To Keep Pace With Pallara’s Booming Population?

Pallara may be one of Brisbane’s fastest-growing suburbs, but sadly, public transport and other infrastructure and amenities have been lagging for years, much to the frustration of its residents.

Residents say that it has been five years since developments in the area were approved. Families were encouraged to move into the newly created suburb of Pallara with the prospects of future facilities including shops and public transport being available to the locals soon. They are, however, yet to see these amenities delivered to their community.

Particularly, Pallara residents have long been campaigning for their own public bus service. A petition launched last year highlighted the concerns of parents over their children’s safety with “so much movement with developments” in the area and the main road being used by motorists to access alternate suburbs.

Recently, Councillor Angela Owen confirmed that there will be six new permanent bus stops that will be built by summer this year in Pallara, following its agreement with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to install a new bus route in this booming suburb.

Three pairs of new bus stops will be built at Pallara by summer, and two of these stops will be installed at Brookbent Road. Another pair will be located at Ritchie Road, near where the old Pallara State School was once situated, whilst the two other stops will be built close to the new Pallara State School.

The current route 126 (Mitchell St, Acacia Ridge East to Zamia St, Sunnybank Plaza) will be realigned and then extended to run along Mains Road and also south to Ritchie Road. This change will provide a bus route to Sunnybank Plaza and CBD connections and even further south to Heathwood.

The Council initially wanted to fast-track the project by installing temporary bus stops but TMR was requiring permanent bus shelters that are federal accessibility and Australian laws compliant before the 126 bus service could be extended.

This was underscored by TMR through a letter sent to Councillor Ryan Murphy, council’s Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport, stating that Translink supported the business case for the amended bus route and is ready to implement the new services subject to the bus stop requirements.

Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch confirmed that Council has agreed to the requirements and plans to deliver at least six bus stops in the interim to facilitate the extension of route 126 bus services to Pallara. Residents are to see some construction activities commencing in the coming months. Other stops are expected to be delivered after the bus services are already in place.