A Proposed Masterplan Community
Twin Waters West is a proposed masterplanned residential community on a 104-ha site on the Sunshine Coast. The site has been included in the SEQ Regional Plan ‘urban footprint’ since 2005 and was re-zoned for residential development in 2018. Approval is being sought to deliver a new low density residential community on largely vacant, cleared land adjacent to Twin Waters.
The proposed development application, submitted to council in May 2023, extends upon the enviable, premium Twin Waters and North Shore lifestyle, and applies community and planning feedback from previous proposals.
The Proposed Site
The site is located between the existing Twin Waters community and the Sunshine Motorway. The land was largely cleared during previous agricultural use as a former cane farm. The site has been held in freehold ownership for over 10 years by Stockland, a long term champion of Sunshine Coast investment and community creation.
The site was included in the SEQ Regional Plan Urban Footprint in 2005, which nominates areas for potential new development. The Sunshine Coast Council rezoned the site in 2018 to allow for a future residential community to help provide sufficient land supply for a growing Sunshine Coast. The location has been long envisioned as an extension of Twin Waters, which was delivered during the 1990s and 2000s. At over 100ha, the site has the scale to provide extensive community amenity, such as parks and walking areas, along with large, low density lots.
The proposed masterplan design mirrors the existing Twin Waters average lot size and low density.
The Proposed Masterplan
The proposed new masterplan extends upon the enviable, premium Twin Waters and North Shore lifestyle, and applies community and planning feedback from the previous proposal. The masterplan proposes:
- A large lake as a major amenity feature of the site located on the western boundary of the site.
- Protection of the central wetland area including establishing a minimum 50m buffer around the wetland and retaining the central area for open space and a kangaroo habitat reserve.
- Large residential lots which are the same density as Twin Waters, with over 50% of the site retained as waterways, conservation and open space, with lush landscaping.
- Three large parks including protection and enhancement of Settlers Park, the creation of a new lakeside park and a park incorporated with the kangaroo habitat reserve.
- Extensive active travel infrastructure, including cycling lanes and pedestrian paths across the site, with connections to Twin Waters.
Want to know more about our hydrology plans and central wetland enhancements? Click the buttons below to watch our short information videos.
Project highlights
Project highlights
Want to know more about the proposed development application?
Want to know more about the proposed development application?
A Development Application has been lodged with Sunshine Coast Council to seek approval to deliver a premium lake based community of in keeping with the character of the adjoining Twin Waters community.
The proposed masterplan and development application includes low residential density lots, protection of the onsite wetland and provides resilience to flooding for new residents and the residential communities surrounding the site.
The proposed development has been designed to meet stringent State and Local Government guidelines to ensure that there is no net worsening of flooding as a consequence of the proposed application. Extensive modelling has occurred through both the rezoning that was approved by the State Government and Sunshine Coast Council and in the preparation of the current development application including extensive peer reviews.
You can watch a short video that explains the proposed hydrology and flood measures below.
Flooding resilience is achieved by a combination of factors.
The site will be filled to raise the ground and lot levels. This will most likely achieve flooding resilience to the AEP 1% (formerly called 1:100-year event) + climate change to 2100 + an additional 0.5m. During major rainfall events these heights will help to protect the new community, in addition to other measures.
The large, deep lake (17ha) can contain, secure and slowly discharge large volumes of in-flowing stormwater during high rainfall.
During normal day to day operations the lake will be maintained at a much lower level (0.6 AHD) than the filled heights (3.45m to 5.4m AHD) of the developable area to be able to provide capacity to receive and contain high volumes of stormwater.
The stormwater systems will be designed to carry water inwards within the site and towards the new lake and not towards the existing Twin Waters community or other homes outside of the site.
A similar approach is applied on this site, as Twin Waters, which has achieved flood resilience since the 1990s. The same designer, Dr Trevor Johnson, is informing the hydrology system for this site.
You can watch a short video which explains the proposed hydrology and flood measures below.
Yes. Average lot sizes are least 700m2. The smallest lot is 500m2. This is the same as Twin Waters and complies with the Planning Scheme.
Stockland is proposing significant protections and enhancement of the onsite remnant wetland.
Proposed protections include a 50 metre minimum natural space buffer from the onsite lake to the wetland. A network of bioretention basins are proposed to be linked to stormwater systems to direct stormwater into the wetland.
In addition, a solid barrier is proposed to be constructed inside the perimeter of the new lake. This is expected to significantly restrict the movement of saline water from the onsite lake towards the wetland, which relies on freshwater.
Enhancements will likely include reduction of weeds and pests within the wetland. Stockland is also working with leading ecologists to ascertain other enhancements to create habitat for more species such as introducing hollows and ‘hides’ for species. No buildings are proposed within the extended wetland area.
You can watch a short video that explains the proposed enhancements and protections of the central wetland below.
Stockland recognises Kangaroos are an enduring feature of the Twin Waters lifestyle and appeal. The proposed masterplan can help to sustain local kangaroos by:
- Allocating accessible and connected open space & wildlife corridors
- Creating a dedicated onsite kangaroo refuge; the first of its kind on the Sunshine Coast
- Providing a large wildlife underpass beneath the major ‘collector’ road which is designed to be suitable for kangaroo movements.
The proposed 2023 masterplan includes many significant changes compared with the previous proposal. These changes include, but are not limited to:
- Reduction of housing lot density to match Twin Waters and removal of all medium density (apartment) dwellings.
- Moving the onsite lake system to the western boundary and further away from the wetland so that it is expected to greatly reduce the risk of marine water entering the wetland
- Minimum 50 metre buffer between the lake and freshwater wetland
- Introduction of larger corridors and areas for fauna and a feature kangaroo reserve.
- Enhancements to Settlers Park at David Low Way, with the park doubling in size from approximately 2,500m2 to 5,000m2.
A new entry road is proposed from the David Low Way into Twin Waters West and a new signalised intersection is proposed to replace the T-intersection at Ocean Drive and the David Low Way.
This diagram indicates the proposed lanes, signalised arrangements, and movements. This is subject to approval.
A Waterside Lifestyle
The proposed masterplan features a large, new lake. The lake will be around 17.4ha in size and provide water amenity with walkable waterfront.
The lake will receive pumped water from a connection to the Twin Waters lake. A weir will be created and maintained between the two communities to manage water levels. The water will be delivered into the Twin Waters West lake by an underground pump.
The new lake at Twin Waters West will be maintained at a relatively low depth to receive stormwater during high rainfall events. This large onsite storage capacity will help the new community achieve very high resilience to local flooding.
The water in the lake will normally be recharged every month. Water will gradually release to the Maroochy River through an underground pipe, as new water is pumped into the lake from the Twin Waters canals. This dynamic motion won’t be noticeable but helps ensure good water quality in the new lake. Recreation such as kayaking is proposed within the new lake.
*Image: Artist’s impression. Subject to change. Subject to council approval. Not to scale.
Parks, open space & landscaping
The proposed masterplan features extensive natural spaces, parks and open space for recreation and to provide additional habitat and connections for fauna and flora. The combination of the onsite lake and natural space is over 50% of the site.
The existing onsite central wetland will be retained, protected, and enhanced as a feature of the new community, with a dedicated kangaroo reserve. A minimum 50m buffer between the central wetland and new lake is proposed to protect the wetland from salt water.
Three destination parks are proposed including: the protection and enhancement of Settlers Park, creation of a new lake front park, large recreation park incorporated and kangaroo refuge area.
Stockland is proposing a high standard of landscaping, referencing the quality of landscaping at Twin Waters.
*Image: Artist’s impression. Subject to change. Subject to council approval. Not to scale.
Considered Design & High Quality, Sustainable Homes
Protecting the character, standard and amenity of the existing North Shore housing, lot sizes averaging 700m2 are proposed within the Development Application to reflect the existing low density character of Twin Waters. Privacy for Twin Waters is maintained through retention of a thick vegetation buffers between the two sites. The design of the new community will help ensure there are no increased flooding impacts for surrounding homes.
New, high quality, sustainable homes will be a central component to a future sustainability strategy. High sustainability standards will be underpinned by selection of building materials and insulation, along with water and electricity efficiency. We are able to control the quality and sustainability of homes through the selection of leading builder partners who will apply a future Twin Waters West building covenant.
Walkability & public transport
Reflecting the active Sunshine Coast lifestyle, the masterplan proposes a safe and convenient 2km* active transport network through the site. This includes 650m of walkable waterfront along the lake edge. Image to be supplied. The pathways will connect parks, large areas of open space for recreation, the coastal pathway and connections to other surrounding areas. The primary road through the new community will include cycling lanes and built to standards to support potential future potential bus services.
Lifestyle highlights
Lifestyle highlights
Want to know more about the proposed development application?
Want to know more about the proposed development application?
A Development Application has been lodged with Sunshine Coast Council to seek approval to deliver a premium lake based community of in keeping with the character of the adjoining Twin Waters community.
The proposed masterplan and development application includes low residential density lots, protection of the onsite wetland and provides resilience to flooding for new residents and the residential communities surrounding the site.
The proposed development has been designed to meet stringent State and Local Government guidelines to ensure that there is no net worsening of flooding as a consequence of the proposed application. Extensive modelling has occurred through both the rezoning that was approved by the State Government and Sunshine Coast Council and in the preparation of the current development application including extensive peer reviews.
You can watch a short video that explains the proposed hydrology and flood measures below.
Flooding resilience is achieved by a combination of factors.
The site will be filled to raise the ground and lot levels. This will most likely achieve flooding resilience to the AEP 1% (formerly called 1:100-year event) + climate change to 2100 + an additional 0.5m. During major rainfall events these heights will help to protect the new community, in addition to other measures.
The large, deep lake (17ha) can contain, secure and slowly discharge large volumes of in-flowing stormwater during high rainfall.
During normal day to day operations the lake will be maintained at a much lower level (0.6 AHD) than the filled heights (3.45m to 5.4m AHD) of the developable area to be able to provide capacity to receive and contain high volumes of stormwater.
The stormwater systems will be designed to carry water inwards within the site and towards the new lake and not towards the existing Twin Waters community or other homes outside of the site.
A similar approach is applied on this site, as Twin Waters, which has achieved flood resilience since the 1990s. The same designer, Dr Trevor Johnson, is informing the hydrology system for this site.
You can watch a short video which explains the proposed hydrology and flood measures below.
Yes. Average lot sizes are least 700m2. The smallest lot is 500m2. This is the same as Twin Waters and complies with the Planning Scheme.
Stockland is proposing significant protections and enhancement of the onsite remnant wetland.
Proposed protections include a 50 metre minimum natural space buffer from the onsite lake to the wetland. A network of bioretention basins are proposed to be linked to stormwater systems to direct stormwater into the wetland.
In addition, a solid barrier is proposed to be constructed inside the perimeter of the new lake. This is expected to significantly restrict the movement of saline water from the onsite lake towards the wetland, which relies on freshwater.
Enhancements will likely include reduction of weeds and pests within the wetland. Stockland is also working with leading ecologists to ascertain other enhancements to create habitat for more species such as introducing hollows and ‘hides’ for species. No buildings are proposed within the extended wetland area.
You can watch a short video that explains the proposed enhancements and protections of the central wetland below.
Stockland recognises Kangaroos are an enduring feature of the Twin Waters lifestyle and appeal. The proposed masterplan can help to sustain local kangaroos by:
- Allocating accessible and connected open space & wildlife corridors
- Creating a dedicated onsite kangaroo refuge; the first of its kind on the Sunshine Coast
- Providing a large wildlife underpass beneath the major ‘collector’ road which is designed to be suitable for kangaroo movements.
The proposed 2023 masterplan includes many significant changes compared with the previous proposal. These changes include, but are not limited to:
- Reduction of housing lot density to match Twin Waters and removal of all medium density (apartment) dwellings.
- Moving the onsite lake system to the western boundary and further away from the wetland so that it is expected to greatly reduce the risk of marine water entering the wetland
- Minimum 50 metre buffer between the lake and freshwater wetland
- Introduction of larger corridors and areas for fauna and a feature kangaroo reserve.
- Enhancements to Settlers Park at David Low Way, with the park doubling in size from approximately 2,500m2 to 5,000m2.
A new entry road is proposed from the David Low Way into Twin Waters West and a new signalised intersection is proposed to replace the T-intersection at Ocean Drive and the David Low Way.
This diagram indicates the proposed lanes, signalised arrangements, and movements. This is subject to approval.
Development Application Features
The proposed Twin Waters West masterplan includes increased wetland and animal protection, access points and flooding resilience.
Significantly increased wetland protection
Stockland is proposing significant protections and enhancement of the onsite remnant wetland. This includes a 50 metre minimum natural space buffer from the onsite lake to the wetland. In addition, a solid barrier will be constructed inside the perimeter of the new lake. This will significantly restrict the movement of saline water from the onsite lake towards the wetland, which relies on freshwater.
A network of bioretention basins will be linked to stormwater systems to direct stormwater into the wetland. Enhancements include reduction of weeds and pests within the wetland. Stockland is also working with leading ecologists to ascertain other enhancements to create habitat for more species such as introducing hollows and ‘hides’ for species. No buildings are proposed within the extended wetland area.
Vegetation Buffers
The design of the proposed masterplan provides separation and buffers to integrate a new residential community within the project site and surrounds. This includes:
- Minimum 50 metre buffer between the lake and freshwater wetland
- Vegetated buffer and screening along the majority of the boundary between Twin Waters and Twin Waters West
- Buffer and separation from the new community to the Maroochy River Conservation Park
- Vegetated buffer and acoustic wall along the Sunshine Motorway to homes within Twin Waters West
- Greater width and protection of cultural heritage within Settlers Park.
Retaining and sustaining the local kangaroo mob
Kangaroos are an enduring feature of the Twin Waters lifestyle. The proposed community design can help coexist with and sustain local kangaroos by:
- Allocating accessible and connected open space & wildlife corridors
- Creating of a dedicated onsite kangaroo refuge; the first of its kind on the Sunshine Coast
- Ensuring connectivity of onsite wildlife corridors with conservation areas which are regularly accessed by the kangaroos for feeding and as a refuge
- A large wildlife underpass beneath the major ‘collector’ road which will be suitable for kangaroos
- Adaptive management through ongoing population monitoring and active assessment of emerging management techniques, including new technologies.
No increased flooding impacts
Flood resilience will be achieved during extreme rainfall events and under climate change scenarios to ensure no increased flooding impacts.
“The Twin Waters West development has been purpose designed to ensure that it does not cause increased flood levels in any areas external to the site, including the existing Twin Waters community.” Dr Trevor Johnson
While the new community is set back around 200 metres from the river, the masterplan will help ensure the site is resilient to large rainfall events, including under climate change scenarios. These measures include:
- Site is lifted through filling
- Large onsite lake is maintained at a constant level to provide significant storage capacity to receive, retain and discharge excess stormwater following high rainfall events
- Upgraded stormwater systems around the site to efficiently drain water to the onsite lake and central wetland, and not to surrounding properties at Twin Waters or Pacific Paradise.
Water quality
Ensuring good water quality for the environment is a high priority. ‘Water sensitive urban design’ (WSUD) measures such as rain gardens and vegetated swales are proposed through the Development Application. This approach is consistent with Council and State Government standards to ensure urban stormwater is treated to a very high standard. WSUD systems are included within the wetland buffers to deliver high quality freshwater to the central wetland.
The proposed Twin Waters West lake will be dynamic, with water frequently pumped from a Twin Waters canal. Water within the Twin Waters West lake is replaced around every month, as water slowly flows north to south. The water will be released to the river through an underground pipe at the southern edge of the site. The water quality in the Twin Waters West lake will be similar to the existing Twin Waters canal water, which has very high quality.
Access into Twin Waters West
A new signalised intersection is proposed at the junction of David Low Way and Ocean Drive, which will also provide road access into Twin Waters West. A ‘collector’ standard road will cross the site with a dedicated cycle lane each way. The road would connect to Twin Waters at the existing roundabout at Stillwater and Esperance Drives. This will create a second entry and exit point for Twin Waters residents to the David Low Way. Pedestrian and cycling connections between Twin Waters West and Twin Waters will be provided at the future connection to the Stillwater Drive - Esperance Drive roundabout.
Want to know more about the proposed development application?
Want to know more about the proposed development application?
A Development Application has been lodged with Sunshine Coast Council to seek approval to deliver a premium lake based community of in keeping with the character of the adjoining Twin Waters community.
The proposed masterplan and development application includes low residential density lots, protection of the onsite wetland and provides resilience to flooding for new residents and the residential communities surrounding the site.
The proposed development has been designed to meet stringent State and Local Government guidelines to ensure that there is no net worsening of flooding as a consequence of the proposed application. Extensive modelling has occurred through both the rezoning that was approved by the State Government and Sunshine Coast Council and in the preparation of the current development application including extensive peer reviews.
You can watch a short video that explains the proposed hydrology and flood measures below.
Flooding resilience is achieved by a combination of factors.
The site will be filled to raise the ground and lot levels. This will most likely achieve flooding resilience to the AEP 1% (formerly called 1:100-year event) + climate change to 2100 + an additional 0.5m. During major rainfall events these heights will help to protect the new community, in addition to other measures.
The large, deep lake (17ha) can contain, secure and slowly discharge large volumes of in-flowing stormwater during high rainfall.
During normal day to day operations the lake will be maintained at a much lower level (0.6 AHD) than the filled heights (3.45m to 5.4m AHD) of the developable area to be able to provide capacity to receive and contain high volumes of stormwater.
The stormwater systems will be designed to carry water inwards within the site and towards the new lake and not towards the existing Twin Waters community or other homes outside of the site.
A similar approach is applied on this site, as Twin Waters, which has achieved flood resilience since the 1990s. The same designer, Dr Trevor Johnson, is informing the hydrology system for this site.
You can watch a short video which explains the proposed hydrology and flood measures below.
Yes. Average lot sizes are least 700m2. The smallest lot is 500m2. This is the same as Twin Waters and complies with the Planning Scheme.
Stockland is proposing significant protections and enhancement of the onsite remnant wetland.
Proposed protections include a 50 metre minimum natural space buffer from the onsite lake to the wetland. A network of bioretention basins are proposed to be linked to stormwater systems to direct stormwater into the wetland.
In addition, a solid barrier is proposed to be constructed inside the perimeter of the new lake. This is expected to significantly restrict the movement of saline water from the onsite lake towards the wetland, which relies on freshwater.
Enhancements will likely include reduction of weeds and pests within the wetland. Stockland is also working with leading ecologists to ascertain other enhancements to create habitat for more species such as introducing hollows and ‘hides’ for species. No buildings are proposed within the extended wetland area.
You can watch a short video that explains the proposed enhancements and protections of the central wetland below.
Stockland recognises Kangaroos are an enduring feature of the Twin Waters lifestyle and appeal. The proposed masterplan can help to sustain local kangaroos by:
- Allocating accessible and connected open space & wildlife corridors
- Creating a dedicated onsite kangaroo refuge; the first of its kind on the Sunshine Coast
- Providing a large wildlife underpass beneath the major ‘collector’ road which is designed to be suitable for kangaroo movements.
The proposed 2023 masterplan includes many significant changes compared with the previous proposal. These changes include, but are not limited to:
- Reduction of housing lot density to match Twin Waters and removal of all medium density (apartment) dwellings.
- Moving the onsite lake system to the western boundary and further away from the wetland so that it is expected to greatly reduce the risk of marine water entering the wetland
- Minimum 50 metre buffer between the lake and freshwater wetland
- Introduction of larger corridors and areas for fauna and a feature kangaroo reserve.
- Enhancements to Settlers Park at David Low Way, with the park doubling in size from approximately 2,500m2 to 5,000m2.
A new entry road is proposed from the David Low Way into Twin Waters West and a new signalised intersection is proposed to replace the T-intersection at Ocean Drive and the David Low Way.
This diagram indicates the proposed lanes, signalised arrangements, and movements. This is subject to approval.
We’d love to hear from you
Stockland welcomes further community review and response to our latest plans. If you would like more information about the project or would like to meet, please contact the project team via the below form or TwinWatersWest@stockland.com.au.
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