Forest Lake

Excerpts from two early residents’ stories – by Marie Keane, 2009

Planning Forest Lake – Rae Littlejohn

Lake opening, 1994
Source: Gert Riley papers

In 1988, Rae Littlejohn was Strategic Planning Officer for Brisbane City Council, involved with the long-term development of the Brisbane area. He was, in this capacity, approached by a developer seeking to have this area of Doolandella rezoned from Rural to Urban. To Rae, the proposed housing development seemed feasible, but only if the proposed development included all amenities and infra-structure pre-planned and included in the Land Cost Budget. Having been assured of this, he then recommended the re-zoning – which led to Forest Lake.

Rae and his wife Barbara lived at The Gap and when in 2003 they decided to downsize, Rae knew exactly where he wanted to go. The planned development he had seen in 1988 had become a reality, the suburb of Forest Lake. It consisted of small “villages” developed in stages and with many trees, parkland and walking tracks and open spaces. Rae and Barbara purchased a house not far from the lake and the move was made. Being community minded, Rae went on to be the instigator and driving force behind the Lake Blue Riband – an annual event from 2006 to 2008, of timed trial runs around the Lake….

Community House – Jack Dunning

In 1992 Jack and his wife Irene were looking forward to retirement and wanting to downsize from a large home in Jindalee. They visited display homes at Forest Lake, saw one they liked, bought it on Lease-back and moved here in 1994.

Jack has been involved in an initiative which began with an idea conceived by some far-sighted residents and which came to wonderfully successful fruition – the establishment of a Community House.

The idea was to establish a meeting place centrally located within the suburb where functions, meetings and classes could be held, with the hire being a reasonable cost to residents. The idea took root in 1997, and Delfin donated the land on the corner of Forest Lake Boulevard and Kauri Place. Grants were received from the Commonwealth Government, State Government and Brisbane City Council. Residents made monetary contributions by “buying a brick.”

The hall became a reality in 1999, with $50,000 still owing – which was paid off in five years. The Community House is administered by a committee. It is well-maintained and includes one large and one small area for hire. A spacious rear deck has been added….

For more information:

“150 Years – Richlands, Inala and Neighbouring Suburbs in Brisbane’s South West”