Stockland has today opened the Southbank Bridge, creating a vital new pedestrian and cycle connection between Southbank Park in North Birtinya and the future Birtinya Town Centre.
The bridge measures a total of 85 metres, and spans 65 metres across the western waterway of the lake. 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 the approximately one-kilometre walkable waterfront network extension at Birtinya’s Town Centre, which is being delivered in three stages, and the nearby cable-stay Eastbank link pedestrian and cycle bridge due to open in 2026.
The overall Birtinya precinct will see Stockland deliver more than $350 million worth of key transport and community infrastructure including roads, bridges, parks, and services.
Matthew Patullo, Development Director at Stockland, said the bridge is part of Stockland’s 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,” Cr Burns 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.
For more details about the pedestrian bridge and the broader Birtinya precinct, visit: https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/qld/birtinya
