Devine Communities has commenced work on two large billabongs at its $200 million Sandstone Lakes community at Ningi, near Bribie Island, that will further enhance the wildlife habitat on the estate and provide an attractive water feature for residents.

The billabongs, which measure ¾ of an acre and 1 and 3/4 acres, are expected to be completed by the end of the month and will be supplemented by a new channel between two existing lakes at the development that will will create an island precinct for upcoming Stages 8-12 of the estate, including 166 houses.

Devine Queensland General Manager Paul Nash said the billabongs would further enhance the natural beauty of the estate which also includes a distinctive Melaleuca Forest.

"These new billabongs with their specially-built viewing jetties will offer Sandstone Lakes homeowners yet another opportunity to relax and enjoy life with their families in a beautiful natural setting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life," Mr Nash said.

"When you consider that the estate is also within minutes of the best boating and fishing waters in South East Queensland around Bribie Island, this really is the perfect retreat for nature lovers."

The billabongs are one of a number of initiatives that Devine has taken at Sandstone Lakes to protect the environment, including minimising turfed areas within the estate in favour of large areas of native vegetation which provide food and homes for native animals.

Edges on the estate's waterways have been retained and planted with native plants to provide habitat for native wildlife including the rare Wallum Froglet, a 2cm-long frog that is specially adapted to conditions in the local area. Local bird species that will benefit include the Rainbow Bee-eater and the Striated Pardalote.

The 46ha Melaleuca Forest forms part of the total 77ha of parkland at Sandstone Lakes which are complemented by a six hectare central lake and waterways.

Sandstone Lakes has been designed to make the most of its natural surroundings with well-considered active public space and amenities including parks, and bicycle-tracks. All areas are generously landscaped.

The current release at Sandstone Lakes includes a total of 59 homesites ranging in size from 450 sqm to 900 sqm and priced from $199,900, including a number of rare homesites overlooking the estate’s water canals and Melaleuca Forest. Home and land with turnkey ready-to-move finishes start from a low $389,900 or incredibly from just $389 per week for first home buyers under Devine's exclusive 'Kick Start' program.

Devine recently unveiled two stunning new display homes at the estate. The Caprice 260 and Macquarie 280 were designed by Devine’s in-house design division, Design Edge, and feature its award-winning philosophy of open-plan living areas and long sightlines to make the most of the available space.