Construction will begin on a new 38 metre two-span Sooning Street Bridge on Magnetic Island in the coming weeks through a joint reconstruction effort with the Townsville City Council, Crisafulli State Government, and Albanese Commonwealth Government.
Townsville City Council has had $7.4 million in funding approved for this project, financed through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Site preparations and concrete bridge pile construction is officially kicking off after the project received the necessary planning approvals to commence the construction of the new bridge over Gustav Creek.
Following the prolonged and damaging wet season at the beginning of the year, the former culvert-structure bridge was irreparably damaged, requiring the construction of a new bridge to reconnect the community of Nelly Bay.
Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy said that rebuilding this bridge was a part of the Crisafulli Government's plan to build back better after natural disasters.
"North Queenslanders know better than most the significant impacts that major weather events can have on critical infrastructure, which is why the Crisafulli Government is investing in restoring the Sooning Street Bridge," Ms Leahy said.
"We are resetting the relationship with local government, allowing us to work collaboratively to deliver these works after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government who ignored and neglected councils and regional communities."
Townsville Mayor, Nick Dametto said the landmark project was an example of how things can be achieved when different levels of government work together.
"Residents of Magnetic Island deserve world class infrastructure which is why Council have worked with our counterparts in the State and Commonwealth Governments to get this done," Mr Dametto said.
"Council are mobilising ahead of the wet season to ensure we can start driving piles for the bridge's foundations as soon as possible and conditions and weather permitting, we are aiming to have the bridge reinstated by mid-2026."
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie has welcomed Townsville City Council's commencement of major works to replace the Sooning Street Bridge on Magnetic Island.
"I know how critical this bridge is for Nelly Bay and the wider Magnetic Island community, which is why funding was secured for its replacement back in April," Mr Baillie said.
"I am excited to see Council making real progress. With the piles soon to be driven in, locals will be able to see, and hear, that this long-awaited project is moving ahead."
Mr Baillie said the new bridge will deliver safer, more reliable access for residents, businesses and emergency services.
"This is essential infrastructure for the island, and I'll keep working to ensure it's delivered as soon as possible."
Division 3 Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said Council had been working hard to ensure pile manufacture could commence immediately after receiving approvals.
"The steelwork and formwork has been constructed, ready for the concrete bridge piles which are being poured, works on the Sooning St laydown site have also begun, and subject to weather conditions - the pile driving equipment is scheduled to mobilise to Magnetic Island this month," Cr Greaney said.
"We'll be working closely with our contractor BMD to get this critical piece of infrastructure rebuilt as quickly and safely as possible, which is why we're mobilising ahead of the wet season."
