Welcome to 2024, Lake News readers! I had a great time speaking to residents over the Christmas period about how much they love living in the Forest Lake ward. This year already looks very promising with lots of community groups hosting wonderful local events, parents and guardians getting their children ready for the school year ahead, sporting groups sign on days underway and much more. As the local Councillor I have hit the ground running with my office re-opening on January 8, 2024.
January is a special time of year for many Forest Lake Ward residents who are becoming Australian citizens during the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, hosted by the Lions Club of Inala at the Blue Fin Fishing Club, Inala. I’m looking forward to being the Presiding Officer as the local Councillor for the area and welcoming those who have chosen to live in our wonderful diverse community, by donating a Brisbane City Council native tree to each new citizen.
Well done to the Vietnamese Community in the Australia – Qld Chapter who are hosting their annual Vietnamese New Year (TET Festival) on February 2 and 3at CJ Greenfields Sporting Fields. Please stop by my stall to say hi!
During 2023 I was delighted to host a number of stalls and mobile offices across the ward. It was good to get a range of feedback from the many residents that stopped by to have a chat about their area. Over the last 8 years I have been able to work with residents to deliver many additions and upgrades to our local parks, roads, community, and sporting facilities.
Our council officers work hard across the ward, and we need this to continue. The Lord Mayor has announced cuts to the budget across all areas and we need residents to tell us if your area is being neglected in any way. I will continue to fight for our area’s fair share and what you pay your rates for. Council elections will be held on March 16, 2024, and this is a great opportunity for residents to advocate for what they would like to see from council in the next few years.
As always, please let me know if you have questions about anything I have raised in the past 12 months in my column, any local government matters or upcoming events. I encourage residents to pop into the ward office for a chat, ring on 3407 1211, or email forestlake.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au
