Building the future, one recycled rock at a time
Stockland’s Aura community on the Sunshine Coast isn’t just moving dirt — it’s changing how earthworks can be more sustainable and cost-effective by reusing materials on-site.
At Aura, everything old is new again. Topsoil from former farmland is being repurposed, a rock shelf is supplying tons of reusable material, and even old concrete structures are getting a second life.
By rethinking how it builds, Stockland is turning waste into resources and setting a new standard for sustainable development.
Less Waste, Smarter Building
Stockland’s ESG Strategy prioritises keeping materials in use for longer, and Aura is bringing that to life. By reducing the need for imported materials, cutting transport emissions, and minimising environmental impact, the project is proving that sustainability doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality or efficiency.
In the past year alone, the Aura team has reused around 50,000 square meters of recycled topsoil across sports precincts, parks, and playgrounds — without having to buy or transport new soil. Instead, natural topsoil from the old farms is screened through a soil recycler to remove debris, creating high-quality landscaping material.
Innovative Earthworks at Aura
It’s not just the soil that’s being reused either. A rock shelf running through Aura’s western section has provided 950,000 tonnes of rock, processed on-site and repurposed as structural fill — avoiding the need to transport materials from elsewhere.
Even old concrete pipes, culverts, and headwalls are getting a second chance. Instead of ending up in landfill, 15,000 tonnes have been crushed and reused as structural fill.
Mick Waters, construction manager at Stockland contractor Shadcivil, sees this as a as a game-changer.
“Using the rock material on-site at Aura hasn’t just reduced waste — it’s improved geotechnical standards,” he says.
“And by repurposing old concrete, we’ve found a more sustainable and cost-effective way to build.”
Stockland’s project director, Josh Sondergeld, agrees.
“Since day one in 2015, we’ve been committed to using our own fill and topsoil, and the environmental and commercial benefits keep stacking up,” he says.
A Model for the Future
Aura isn’t just a development — it’s a glimpse into the future of sustainable communities. With more than 50,000 people expected to call it home over the next 20 years, it’s leading the way in smarter, greener, and more connected living.
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