New beach access opens as Bokarina Beach celebrates suite of milestones
Sunshine Coast beachgoers have a much-anticipated new point to access the sand and surf at Stockland’s Bokarina Beach community following the official opening of fully accessible public pathway, among a raft of milestones celebrated today.
The $1.2 million project provides public access through the dunes to the beach for beach users, swimmers and emergency vehicles, as well as incorporating a timber viewing deck, seating, bike racks and shower, and a future lifeguard tower.
State Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie and Sunshine Coast Councillor for Division 3 Peter Cox joined Stockland representatives in cutting the ribbon at an official ceremony today at the entrance to the path.
Mark McMahon, Senior Development Manager at Stockland, said: “We are excited to open the new public access to the beach and Coastal Pathway link.
“Stockland is creating a premium world-class community at Bokarina Beach that will one day be home to more than 2,500 people,’’ he said. “Our new residential, retail and tourism hub is set to become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most prestigious communities and a destination for interstate and international visitors.
“This pathway provides convenient access between the beach and an exciting array of future planned boutique shops, cafes and restaurants within Bokarina Beach, not only for residents but the wider Sunshine Coast region and visitors to the Coast alike.’’
Stockland is also opening the much anticipated “missing link’’ of the regional Coastal Pathway that will now connect through Bokarina Beach. The new beach access integrates with the Coastal Pathway, the longest shared pedestrian and cycle pathway in the Sunshine Coast region.
Sunshine Coast Councillor Peter Cox said: “Council’s vision is for this pathway to be a world-class scenic route connecting the coast.
“We’re pleased Stockland has brought this vision to life, offering an incredible, scenic journey for pedestrians and cyclists using this route,’’ he said.
State Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie said the new beach access and coastal pathway is an asset to the broader Sunshine Coast region.
“Stockland has consulted extensively with all tiers of government, resulting in a public space that provides a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to connect, while promoting an active outdoor lifestyle,’’ Mr Bleijie said.
Rea Ingham, one of the first residents to move into Bokarina Beach two months ago, said she was excited to see the new beach access open.
“I like to walk every day and the proximity to the beach is the main reason I bought here,’’ she said.
“The new pathway is something I have been looking forward to and I have been keenly watching its progress.’’
Mr McMahon said he was delighted to see Stockland’s vision for Bokarina Beach becoming a reality, with the new beach access also coinciding with the completion of 1.8 hectares of parkland surrounding the community’s new signature lake.
“The waterside Lake Square parkland within Bokarina is an exciting new recreational destination for the Sunshine Coast region. Landscaping has been completed around the entire perimeter.
“This expansive lake extension provides a signature entry into the new community, with the new northern edge of the lake now featuring a pebble beach that doubles as a launch area for watercraft, as well as seating and shelter to enjoy the idyllic setting.’’
The parkland is already becoming a popular regional destination for families, with the southern side incorporating a wooden pier, public square, places to picnic as well as grassed areas down to the water’s edge.
For more details on Bokarina Beach and to register interest in securing a home site, visit www.stockland.com.au/bokarinabeach, drop into the Oceanside Sales and Information Centre on the corner of Birtinya Boulevard and Lake Kawana Boulevard, or call 07 5437 8703. Customers can also keep up-to-date via www.facebook.com/oceansidekawana.
Notes to editor
• The path begins on the corner of Bokarina Boulevard and Longboard Parade and provides the best entry point to the beach for future residents and visitors of Bokarina Beach, as well as being adjacent to land dedicated for a future surf lifesaving facility.
• The coastal link travels alongside Longboard Parade, past the new beach access, across a new boardwalk and wetland area and will run adjacent to a future major Village Park.
• Set on 30 hectares, Bokarina Beach is a hive of construction activity, having recently welcomed its first residents. It will ultimately become a premium mixed-use community with direct connections to the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct and future Birtinya Town Centre. The precinct will include approximately 160 home sites, 130 terrace homes and 800 beachside and north facing park-front apartments plus more than five hectares of open space including parkland and the Lake Kawana extension.