Major bridge milestone as foundation works near completion

Pictured above: Member for Townsville Adam Baillie MP and Mayor Nick Dametto with BMD's trevor Roy and Anthony Burke

A major milestone in the reconstruction of the Sooning Street bridge is soon to be ticked off with the foundation piling works almost completed.

The installation of the twelve 28‑metre concrete piles - driven deep into the Gustav Creek bed, forms the structural backbone of the new bridge and signals the transition to the next major phase of construction.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and will support the bridge’s restoration with modern standards.

Mayor Nick Dametto said the finalising of piling represented a long‑awaited and critical moment for Magnetic Island residents and businesses.

“This is the milestone everyone has been waiting for. With the foundations almost all firmly in place, we can move ahead confidently into the next phase of construction,” Cr Dametto said.

“We faced some challenges due to persistent rainfall and the repair of the piling installation pad, but the project team has pushed through safely and efficiently without losing any considerable time. The community has been patient during what can be noisy but essential works, and I know they’ll be relieved to see the bridge really beginning to take shape.”

With piling works wrapping up over the next week, contractors will now begin installing the concrete abutments and headstocks that will support the bridge deck.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the completion of the bridge’s foundations demonstrated the importance of disaster recovery.

“The conclusion of piling works marks an important milestone in rebuilding Sooning Street bridge which is a critical route for Magnetic Island,” Minister McBain said.

“The Albanese Government is committed to working with our state and local counterparts helping regions recover from natural disasters while also taking the opportunity to rebuild infrastructure to meet modern standards.”

Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was committed to building back communities after disaster events.

“We’re backing our local councils with the funding they need to build resilient infrastructure and working to deliver for regional and remote Queensland,” Minister Leahy said.

“The new Sooning Street Bridge will serve the Magnetic Island and broader Townsville community for many years, providing improved access for locals and visitors to this beautiful part of our state.”

Member for Townsville Adam Baillie welcomed the progress, recognising the significance of the works for Magnetic Island’s connectivity.

“This is a major milestone for the project team and great news for island residents,” Mr Baillie said.

“We’re ensuring this replacement bridge is built to modern standards so it can better withstand future weather events.”

Divisional Councillor, Ann-Maree Greaney said the completed 40.8 metre bridge would serve the Magnetic Island community for decades to come.

“The new bridge will include provision of a dedicated pedestrian access way, improving accessibility and safety.

“We appreciate the community’s patience during the recent loud piling works, and now provided we avoid further weather impacts, the bridge is on track to reopen by mid‑2026.”

For more information, visit: Gustav Creek Structure Restoration Work - Townsville City Council

Pictured above: Member of Townsville Adam Baillie MP and Mayor Nick Dametto inspecting piling progress.