The anticipated Aura Brook officially opened on 12 October to a captive crowd of local littles and their families.

Crowds enjoyed icy treats, ribbon wands, coffee and live music to herald in the green space touted to be a “sanctuary of scenic trails and smart water management”.

According to Stockland, The Aura Brook is more than just a water feature with some glowing paths for the kids – it’s an essential part of our community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and a “natural guardian for the environment”.

With an Enchanted Garden featuring glow-in-the-dark aggregate ‘glow stones’, which absorb sunlight during the day and then emit light from dusk, fading over the next six hours thanks to being photo-luminescent, the Brook is also an important environmental asset for the entire neighbourhood.

Stockland Aura Development Director Josh Sondergeld said Aura Brook served as a key environmental landmark.

“Through innovative water management systems like raingardens and bioretention basins, we are protecting and enhancing our local ecosystem while also creating a sustainable, thriving habitat for local flora and fauna thanks to a diverse range of native Sunshine Coast vegetation,” Mr Sondergeld said.

Featuring a biorentention basin, the stormwater treatment device is a crucial part of the local water management system.

Bioretention basins are designed to mimic natural filtration processes.

They consist of a shallow, landscaped depression filled with a special soil mix and vegetation.

As stormwater flows into the basin, it is filtered through the soil and plant roots, which trap pollutants and absorb excess nutrients.

This process significantly reduces the amount of contaminants entering the brook, helping to maintain its health and clarity.

Bioretention basins are essential for managing stormwater runoff and preventing pollution.

Designed to handle large-scale water events efficiently, managing water flow and runoff from the surrounding area, the underpass, which serves as a walkway during dry conditions, is engineered to accommodate water during significant rain events.

Once the culverts under the road reach capacity, water can rise into the underpass, ensuring that excess water is managed effectively and safely.

This design helps to manage water flow and maintain the integrity of the surrounding landscape.

And local flora and fauna are also accounted for.

The Brook is home to a variety of species including Eucalypts, Melaleucas, Banksias, Boobiallas, Lomandras, and Grevilleas.

This diverse vegetation provides vital feeding, breeding, and resting grounds for native fauna, creating a vibrant and thriving ecosystem.

“Aura Brook has something for everyone to enjoy, building on the 137km of existing walking paths, veloways, and 22 parks and playgrounds in Aura,” Mr Sondergeld said.