A new pedestrian and cycle bridge has opened as part of a developer’s $350 million investment in key transport and community infrastructure in a growing suburb.
Stockland has opened the Southbank Bridge, linking Southbank Park in North Birtinya and the future Birtinya Town Centre.
The bridge measures 85m, with 65m spanning the western waterway of Lake Kawana. It has a six-metre shared path for pedestrians, bicycles, scooters, prams, wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Southbank Bridge forms a key component of the $40 million extensions to the broader active transport network, including about 1km of walkable waterfront network extension at Birtinya’s Town Centre, which is being delivered in three stages.
The nearby cable-stay Eastbank link pedestrian and cycle bridge is also due to open in 2026.
The overall Birtinya precinct will see Stockland deliver more than $350 million of infrastructure including roads, bridges, parks and services.
Stockland development director Matthew Patullo said the bridge was part of its broader vision for a connected, walkable community.
“The Southbank Bridge has been eagerly awaited by locals and we’re proud to now be delivering this significant new link between North Birtinya and all that the future town centre will offer,” Mr Patullo said.
“This connection provides an immediate community benefit, making it easier and safer for people to walk, cycle and enjoy the lakefront.
“It is part of our ongoing delivery of the walkable waterfront around the lake, which will activate the whole precinct once complete.”
Sunshine Coast Council Division 3 Councillor Tim Burns said the bridge would be welcomed by the growing community.
“I’m excited to see this bridge open and I know the Birtinya residents are too,” he said.
“There’s been a lot of community interest during construction, and they are eagerly anticipating this opening. Birtinya’s extensive network of parks and walkways are so well used, and I can’t wait to see our residents out walking and riding on this new link across our lake.”
The Southbank Bridge has been constructed by SEE Civil and is the first in a series of major milestones, with the landmark 130-metre cable-stay bridge scheduled to open in 2026.
