The Sunshine Coast’s newest pedestrian bridge has officially opened across Lake Kawana.
The $27 million bridge at Birtinya is 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 is an essential east-west link for pedestrians and cyclists across Lake Kawana.
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.
The bridge will also connect the yet to be built Birtinya train station with the upgraded Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the new bridge is 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.
The shared walking and riding bridge connects Sportsmans Parade, near Venue 114, and the Stockland Birtinya Town Centre.
It is four metres wide and three metres above the lake.
