New Sooning Street bridge reconnects Magnetic Island community
The new Sooning Street Bridge on Townsville’s Magnetic Island has officially been delivered, 18-months after the former crossing was irreparably damaged during the 2024-25 disaster season.
Funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the Townsville City Council project has restored a critical connection for the island’s residents, businesses and visitors.
Crossing Gustav Creek in Nelly Bay at 38 metres in length and reinforced with steel and concrete piles, the $20 million bridge project, has provided the opportunity to rebuild the existing infrastructure to meet modern standards to better withstand future weather events.
The bridge has also been designed to meet strict environmental standards, with fishways incorporated into the finished build to support the island’s marine ecosystem.
The new Sooning Street Bridge is a 38-metre span crossing constructed from:
1,430 tonnes of concrete (including piles and deck beams)
624 tonnes of Magnetic Island Concrete (ready-mix)
579 tonnes of deck units (precast)
228 tonnes of piles (precast)
340 linear metres of concrete piles
60 tonnes of reinforcing formed in place
40 tonnes of reinforcing steel in bridge reinforcement
28 tonnes of steel in fixtures, fittings and guard railings
360 tonnes of asphalt The pedestrian bridge that features as part of the new Sooning Street Bridge uses 14 tonnes of composite non-corrosive materials produced by Wagners Composite Fibre Technologies, instead of 53 tonnes of steel and timber.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government was proud to support recovery projects in regional Queensland.
“The new Sooning Street Bridge restores an essential transport connection for Magnetic Island residents and visitors while improving the standard of the previous infrastructure,” Minister McBain said.
“Disaster reconstruction provides us the opportunity to strengthen community infrastructure, and to improve safety, connectivity and liveability by utilising modern construction methods. This project ticks all those boxes.
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was building Queensland’s future, and the rebuild of Sooning St Bridge was a strong example of why disaster recovery funding mattered to Queensland communities.
“Magnetic Island deserves infrastructure that can withstand what Mother Nature throws at it, and this new bridge gives residents and businesses a stronger, safer connection for the future,” Minister Leahy said.
“Disaster recovery funding is critical to getting communities back on their feet and gives us the opportunity to rebuild better, stronger and more resilient than before.”
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Senator Nita Green said the Albanese Government was on the ground after the North Queensland Floods and we’ve supported the community every day since.
“The community of Magnetic Island has been patient and resilient and this will be a welcome milestone for everyone involved,” Assistant Minister Green said.
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the project delivered a fantastic outcome for Magnetic Island residents.
“From day one, the community made it clear how important this bridge was to everyday life on Magnetic Island,” Mr Baillie said.
“The addition of a footbridge on the Magnetic Island State School side of the road improves safety for students, and the completed project delivers a lasting benefit for local residents, businesses, emergency services and visitors.”
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said he’d like to thank the Australian Government, Queensland Government, our project partners, and the Magnetic Island community for their patience and support throughout the project.
“Today marks the completion of one of the most important infrastructure projects delivered on Magnetic Island in recent years,” Mayor Dametto said.
“This structure is more than just a bridge. It's a vital link for residents, emergency services, local businesses, and the thousands of visitors who travel to Magnetic Island every year.”
Townsville Division 3 Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said this has been a project the Magnetic Island community has followed closely from the very beginning, and it's wonderful to see this important connection restored.
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