A landmark new connection across Lake Kawana has officially opened, with Stockland today unveiling the $27 million Birtinya Pedestrian Bridge, a major piece of infrastructure supporting the growth of the Sunshine Coast’s expanding health, employment and residential precinct.
Funded and delivered by Stockland, the 130-metre cable-stay bridge will enhance the active transport network by providing an essential east-west link for pedestrians and cyclists across Lake Kawana. It forms part of more than $350 million in transport and community infrastructure investment across the broader Birtinya precinct.
Stockland Development Director, Matt Patullo, said the opening not only strengthens connectivity between key destinations, including the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct and future town centre, but also improves access to the broader sports and recreation hub, which is set to play a key role for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The opening of the Birtinya Pedestrian Bridge is a proud moment for Stockland and the wider Sunshine Coast community,” Mr Patullo said.
“Great communities are built on connection, and this bridge creates a new link between the places where people live, work, shop, exercise and come together.
“More than a transport link, this bridge is a key piece of infrastructure that will help unlock the future Birtinya Central Town Centre and support the continued growth of one of the Sunshine Coast’s most important health and employment precincts.
“This bridge is one of many investments helping bring the long-term vision for Birtinya to life and creating a more connected future for the Sunshine Coast community.”
The opening of the Birtinya Pedestrian Bridge follows the approval of a refreshed masterplan for Birtinya Central, which outlines the vision for the mixed-use destination which will include up to 2,600 homes alongside retail, commercial and community spaces.
The refreshed masterplan places a strong emphasis on connectivity, walkability and high-quality public space, with the bridge forming a key part of the integrated movement network. As a critical enabling project, it will help unlock access to Birtinya Central and support the delivery of a connected waterfront destination.
Mr Patullo was joined by Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli and Councillor Tim Burns, alongside Deputy Chair of Cycling Without Age, Tim Rogers and volunteer riders, who were among the first to experience the new community link.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the new bridge was a significant community asset that would strengthen the region’s active transport network, especially within the growing Birtinya precinct.
“By providing a direct link across Lake Kawana, this bridge encourages more people to choose to walk and ride for their local everyday journeys, supporting healthier lifestyles and reducing reliance on cars for short trips,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Thank you to Stockland for delivering this important piece of infrastructure. It reflects our shared commitment to creating a more connected, walkable and totally accessible Sunshine Coast community into the future.”
The shared walking and riding bridge spans Lake Kawana, delivering a direct east-west connection between Sportsmans Parade, near Venue 114, and the Stockland Birtinya Town Centre. At approximately four metres wide, the bridge has been designed as an inclusive and accessible route for all users, accommodating pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, prams, wheelchairs and other mobility devices. On the water, the clearance of up to three metres at its centre also accommodates water-based leisure craft, like kayaks.
Now open, the bridge will transition to a Sunshine Coast Council asset. Together with the Southbank Park Bridge, which opened in late 2025, and a further 70-metre pedestrian bridge, it forms part of a broader network of walking and cycling connections that will ultimately create a complete loop around Lake Kawana.
For more details about the broader Birtinya precinct, visit: https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/qld/birtinya.
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