Stockland has opened a new 100-metre-long pedestrian bridge in its Aura community on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, safely connecting Baringa to Nirimba over the Bells Creek Arterial Road and incorporating the work of local artists. 

Built by Stockland in partnership with the Queensland Government, the new pedestrian bridge, which includes dedicated cycle lanes and a separate pedestrian path, will provide a safe crossing location for the extensive walking and cycling network around Aura.

Stockland Project Director, Josh Sondergeld said the bridge will benefit the active Aura community, many of which walk or ride to local schools, parks, and shops.

“We designed Aura with the aspiration for it to be a ‘cycle city’ and to continue setting the standard for walkable neighbourhoods that are accessible to people of all ages,” said Mr Sondergeld.

“To date, we have constructed more than 70 kilometres of the Aura Veloway – Aura’s dedicated bicycle pathway – and shared cycle paths, which encourage the community to be happier, healthier, and more active.

“The opening of this bridge over the Bells Creek Arterial enhances the placemaking at Aura through public art and, importantly, improves the safety for children, cyclists, pedestrians and the wider Aura community,” added Mr Sondergeld.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Hon. Mark Bailey MP said this milestone is a great example of the State Government’s commitment, in partnership with Stockland, to making walking or riding a bike an easy, convenient, and enjoyable way to travel.

“The new pedestrian bridge is a destination in itself with the local artwork on display. Facilities like this help grow the number of people leaving the car at home and walking or riding their bike,” said Mr Bailey.

“We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in active transport infrastructure returns nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion and lower transport costs.”

State Member for Caloundra, Mr Jason Hunt MP said this very significant piece of active transport infrastructure is not only an impressive investment in community by Stockland, but it provides a vital link for active transport users.

“Everyone in Aura, regardless of age, will be able to access this pedestrian bridge which provides a safe and easy route for bikes, scooters, and pedestrians, making active transport more viable and delivering a faster and safer route for our school students during peak periods,” said Mr Hunt.

Two 10-metre-tall sculptural birds, designed by local artists James and Eleanor Avery, sit at either end of the bridge, and represent the diversity of native birds in the area. The artwork features a coloured wave design connecting the birds to reflect the energy and vitality of a morning birdsong.

The combined length of the artwork and bridge spans 120 metres, making it one of the longest artistic expressions on the Sunshine Coast.

Artists James and Eleanor Avery said they were excited to deliver an artwork that will become a welcoming gateway to Stockland Aura, the ‘City of Colour’.

“Our artwork, ‘Chorus’, features two birds perched at either end of the pedestrian bridge, representing the energy and vitality of morning birdsong,” said Mr and Ms Avery.

“Stockland Aura is one of Australia’s most significant masterplanned communities. We hope this new artwork represents the vibrant life at Aura and creates a feeling of energy and optimism.”

Stockland engaged Urban Art Projects (UAP), an internationally renowned artist collaborator, to undertake a Public Art Strategy and build the artwork for the bridge. The final artist selection was made in collaboration with Stockland, the Minister for Economic Development Queensland, and Sunshine Coast Council.

Aura is Australia’s largest masterplanned community and is currently home to more than 8,800 residents.

Upon completion, Aura will have approximately 200 kilometres of dedicated footpaths and bicycle pathways, setting a new benchmark for the provision of active transport in communities across Queensland.

Connection to the Bruce Highway via the extension of the existing Bells Creek Arterial Road is expected to open mid this year.