Stockland Plans $27m Bridge Over Sunshine Coast Lake

Stockland wants to build a $27-million pedestrian bridge spanning 130m across a Sunshine Coast lake.

The shared walking and riding bridge would span Lake Kawana at Birtinya, north of Caloundra and about 90km north of Brisbane.

It would provide an east-west pedestrian link from Sportsman Parade (near event space Venue 114) to Stockland Birtinya town centre.

Stockland has plans under way to expand that centre into a broader precinct that will include a mix of residential, retail and commercial spaces, walkways, a public transport interchange, parks and open space.

The bridge would form part of a walking and riding network and “will enhance the walkable waterfront around Birtinya and Kawana—both popular lifestyle and recreational hubs on the southern end of the Sunshine Coast”, the developer said.

The cable-stay bridge would be about 4m wide and provide a “subtle slope” so as to be suitable for bicycles, scooters, prams, wheelchairs and other mobility devices as well as pedestrians.

The bridge would have a clearance of up to 3m at its centre to allow water-based leisure craft, such as kayaks, to pass underneath.

If approved, construction would start this year, with the bridge expected to be open in early 2026.

A second, smaller pedestrian bridge, about 70m long, is under construction from the Southbank Park at Birtinya.

▲ A render of the 130m long pedestrian bridge Stockland wants to build to add to its Sunshine Coast masterplanned community.

Upon completion, the two bridges will allow a full loop around Lake Kawana.

Stockland development director Matt Patullo said the bridges formed a major part of Stockland’s contribution to building infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast.

“The 130m bridge is expected to be a landmark on the Sunshine Coast, providing access to Stockland Birtinya town centre and future shops, transport links, and pathways, as well as the broader sports and recreational precinct which will feature Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic venues,” he said.

“The overall Birtinya precinct will be one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken on the Sunshine Coast, with Stockland delivering more than $350-million worth of key transport and community infrastructure, including roads, bridges, parks, and services.”