Buderim Forest Park Bridge Renewal

Project status: planning
Estimated completion: by July 2027

About the project

Sunshine Coast Council is in the early stages of planning to renew the much-loved pedestrian bridge at Buderim Forest Park.

The existing arched timber bridge was built in the 1980s. It crosses Martins Creek near Serenity Falls. After many years in a damp, shaded rainforest, the bridge has deteriorated significantly and reached the end of its serviceable life. It can no longer be safely maintained or repaired. This means the bridge must be fully replaced.

We are looking at options for a new structure in the same general location.

Whatever the option, it will use robust, long‑lasting materials that suit the rainforest environment.

What's happening now

Council is now in the planning and feasibility phase.

We are working closely with bridge design and construction specialists to explore:

structural options
construction methods
required approvals
funding requirements.

Why it matters

We recognise that Buderim Forest Park is a special place for many – whether it’s local to you, a cultural place, as part of a daily walk, a scenic spot for photography, or a place to bring visitors to experience nature.

We want our community to understand why the bridge needs to be renewed and what factors shape the design.
Sharing this early helps everyone know what to expect long before any work starts on site.

A range of factors will influence the design:

Environmental and cultural values. We must protect vegetation, waterways and culturally sensitive areas.
Site access and construction constraints. The steep terrain, dense forest and limited space for equipment or materials make construction challenging.
Material selection. The moist rainforest environment limits what can be used. We need long-lasting, low-maintenance solutions.
Available budget. Funding will guide what can be built and the scale of the renewal works.
Community preferences. We want to understand what locals value and balance this with practical and sustainable solutions.

As part of this early planning phase, we are undertaking targeted stakeholder engagement to understand how this place is used and valued.

Please email the project team at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Next steps

The project is in the planning and feasibility stage. Once we complete our investigations, we will update our community and outline what happens next.

Timeline (subject to change)

Planning: Now – early 2026
Finalise design and approvals: Mid-2026
Construction: 2027 – date to be confirmed

Background

In 2021, Council carried out maintenance works to extend the bridge’s lifespan and allow continued public use. While these measures were successful in the short term, recent assessments confirm that replacement is now the most viable and sustainable long-term option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does the bridge need to be replaced?

The existing timber bridge was built in the early 1980s and has been exposed to damp rainforest conditions for many years. While maintenance and repairs have extended its life, recent assessments show it has now reached the end of its serviceable life and can no longer be sustainably maintained.

Why can't Council just repair the bridge again?

Major repair works were carried out in 2021 to extend the bridge’s life. Further repairs would be costly and would only provide a short-term solution. Replacing the bridge is more cost-effective over the long term and provides a safer, more reliable structure for the community.

Will the new structure look the same as the existing bridge?

We're exploring several bridge options. The final design will be influenced by site constraints, environmental and cultural values, safety requirements, and available funding.

How is Council involving the community?

Council is using a staged engagement approach. At this early stage, we are focusing on keeping the community informed and undertaking targeted stakeholder engagement to understand how the space is used and valued. You can stay informed by registering to received updates for the project.

When will construction start and how long will it take?

The project is currently in the planning and investigation phase. Subject to approvals and funding, construction is currently expected in 2027. Timing will be updated as the project progresses.

Who can I contact if I have questions or would like to provide feedback?

You can contact the project team at: b[email protected]