Aura

We have played a leading role in the delivery of Aura, one of Stockland’s most significant developments and a nationally important city‑shaping project. Located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Aura is Australia’s largest master planned community in single ownership.

Delivered within the Queensland Government’s Priority Development Area framework, it has been envisioned as a world‑class, sustainable new community. At full development, it will be home to around 50,000 people and support approximately 20,000 jobs, setting a new benchmark for integrated growth, liveability and environmental performance.

Now well into delivery and continuing to evolve, Aura remains a live project. Construction of the town centre is commencing, while residential development is expected to continue into the future as the community continues to grow and mature in this coastal-subtropical landscape.

We have played a central role in the evolution of Aura since the project’s earliest stages, working alongside Stockland for more than a decade. Since 2010, Urbis has led the project through a genuinely integrated, multi disciplinary approach. Our teams across master planning, landscape architecture, urban design, transport and traffic, and economics have worked together from early planning through to the delivery of housing, shops, schools and community infrastructure.

We have supported Aura through planning approvals, master planning, economic development strategy, land use demand analysis, financial modelling and detailed design.  Urbis contributed to all aspects of planning and concept design, from high‑level design intent through to detailed lot plans, development controls and product typologies. Delivering four separate development applications across Aura has helped support the broader master plan for the community.  

This long‑term, integrated approach has enabled a cohesive and adaptable vision, ensuring land use, infrastructure, public space and development outcomes continue to work together as Aura transitions from plan to place.

Effective transport connections are essential to a successful community. Our transport advisory teams have worked closely with Stockland to shape a transport network that supports Aura’s ambition as a connected, people‑focused community. Across multiple precincts, transport planning has been embedded within the broader masterplan, ensuring movement networks evolve in step with land use, density and community needs.

A key focus of this work has been the 2,800‑home Gagalba precinct, where the design and delivery of a high‑quality active transport network was central to the vision. Blending engineering best practice with strong amenity outcomes, the network has been designed to encourage walking and cycling as natural, everyday choices for residents and visitors. Streets, paths and crossings were carefully considered to feel safe, legible and comfortable for all users, while integrating seamlessly with surrounding neighbourhoods.

The precinct connects directly to Aura’s Veloway – a dedicated off‑road cycling spine that links neighbourhoods, schools and the town centre. This spine plays a critical role in supporting convenient, car‑free travel and reinforcing Aura’s commitment to healthy, sustainable movement.

Throughout the process, our team worked closely with the wider project group and key stakeholders, refining designs and testing outcomes through detailed transport modelling. This collaborative approach ensured the evolving masterplan met the technical requirements of Economic Development Queensland, while delivering a transport network that adds real value for residents and supports long‑term development outcomes.

Aura comprises a series of connected neighbourhoods — Baringa, Nirimba, Banya and the newest suburb, Gagalba — each contributing to the broader identity of the community. Quintessentially Queensland, Aura celebrates a coastal lifestyle with a hinterland backdrop and a prime Sunshine Coast location. Everyday conveniences are within easy reach, with schools, shops, health services, green open spaces and iconic parks located within 400 metres of every home.

The town centre will form Aura’s mixed‑use heart, bringing together retail, commercial, university, health, sport and cultural facilities. It will be a major focus for employment and activity as construction commences, supported by a strong public and active transport network.

Future connectivity will be further strengthened by the CAMCOS ‘The Wave’ rail project, with a new heavy passenger rail line from Beerwah to Birtinya running through the Aura town centre. The line will support population and employment growth, improving access to essential services and boosting tourism across the region.

Community infrastructure includes four schools, eight major sports and recreation parks, and an extensive network of public spaces that support activity, connection and wellbeing. Environmental outcomes are equally significant, with around 32 hectares of recreation parkland and 350 hectares of conservation space protecting and enhancing the natural landscape.

Together, these outcomes demonstrate Aura’s role as a connected, evolving community that supports economic growth, fosters social connection and delivers lasting value for the Sunshine Coast.