New Nicklin Way underpass at Bokarina Beach offers safer travel route for school students

A new underpass constructed by Stockland allowing cyclists and pedestrians to easily and safely cross Nicklin Way at Bokarina Beach is being hailed as a major benefit for students of nearbv Kawana Waters State College.

The underpass, which has just opened, is part of a $19 million project being undertaken by Stockland to upgrade the Nicklin Way and Lake Kawana Boulevard intersection to improve traffic flow in the area.

Mark McMahon, Senior Development Manager at Stockland, said Stockland had worked closely with the school during the construction phase of the underpass, which will provide a safe route for future students from the new Bokarina Beach community as well as those from the surrounding area.

“The underpass will be part of a network of paths offering the opportunity for safe, environmentally-friendly travel throughout our new world-class community for all our future residents as well as visitors,’’ Mr McMahon said.

“The safety of our school students is of the highest priority and we are delighted that this important new route is now open in time for the start of the second term.’’

Colin Allen-Waters, Principal of Kawana Waters State College, said the underpass would help eliminate student congestion at the current pedestrian crossing on Nicklin Way.

“This is a massive safety benefit to the students and is recognition that the majority of our students come from the coastal side of Nicklin Way and have to cross the road on their way to school,’’ Mr Allen-Waters said.

“Crossing Nicklin Way has been the most difficult part of the journey to school each day for our students, who range in age from four to 17, and this has been a much anticipated project for our school community.’’

The underpass is one of two new milestones for Bokarina Beach, which has also just opened an exciting new lakeside park set to become an important recreational destination for families on the Sunshine Coast.

The beautifully landscaped park is the first stage of Lake Square, an expansive recreational space which will straddle the edge of the hectare Lake Kawana extension into Bokarina Beach and create a landmark entry into the community.

The park incorporates a wooden pier as well as a new centrepiece public square with a long table and sheltered barbecue facilities designed to be used for gatherings and community events.

The landscaping also features pedestrian and cycle paths as well as terraced seating and grassed sections to the water’s edge, allowing the public to access the lake extension, which is equivalent to 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Mr McMahon said Stockland was creating an abundance of facilities and opportunities for residents to enjoy active and healthy lifestyles at Bokarina Beach.

“Creating the public spaces and opportunities to enhance the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors is part of our commitment to building strong well, connected communities,’’ he said.

Set on 30 hectares, Bokarina Beach is a hive of construction activity with the

community preparing to welcome its first residents later this year following the recent commencement of construction on the first homes.

Bokarina Beach is a premium mixed-use residential, retail and community hub planned to include approximately 160 home sites, 130 terrace homes and 800 beachside and north facing park-front apartments.

For more details on Bokarina Beach, 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.