Mayor Nick Dametto said Council would bring forward construction of a new pedestrian bridge at Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island and begin design work for a new boat ramp at Ross Dam.
"Through the mid‑year budget review, Council has deferred several projects to future years, allowing us to prioritise two key projects the community has been calling for," Cr Dametto said.
He said the ageing Henry Lawson pedestrian bridge, built in the 1950s, would be replaced, improving safety and connectivity between Pacific Drive and Henry Lawson Street.
"This is welcome news for Magnetic Island locals and will save Council almost $50,000 a year in inspection costs, as the existing bridge has reached end of life," he said.
The replacement is expected to cost around $750,000, with works scheduled for later in the year.
"The community has been passionate about this upgrade, and I'm pleased we can secure this important link for decades to come."
Councillor Dametto said funding had also been allocated for the design of a new Ross River Dam boat ramp as part of the project to enable recreational use on the Dam.
"This design work will let us progress plans for expanded recreational use at the Dam, and remove a major barrier to securing construction funding," he said.
Several other projects have been shifted into future budget years, including infrastructure at Lansdown - timed to better align with the precinct's development and the Lionel Turner Drive extension, which remains dependent on external funding.
"This deferral won't impact Lansdown's overall delivery," Cr Dametto said.
"Lionel Turner Drive will be submitted for funding consideration in the next round of the Residential Activation Fund. While it will provide much‑needed alternative access for Bushland Beach, the real challenge remains congestion at the Woolcock Street-Northshore Boulevard intersection, which I continue to lobby to have addressed."
