The Federal and Queensland Governments have partnered with Townsville City Council to invest more than $7 million in disaster funding into a critical bridge replacement on Magnetic Island.
The funding will replace the Sooning Street bridge, which sustained major damage and was demolished after severe weather in late December 2024.
Early stages of the project will include the procurement of precast beams and piles to ensure the project can be delivered on-time and on-budget.
Queensland Minister for Local Government and Disaster Recovery, Ann Leahy, said that the State Government would work with Council throughout the bridge’s reconstruction to ensure the best outcomes for the local community and visitors to Magnetic Island.
“Our government has moved quickly to get Council the funds needed to deliver this vital rebuild for the community,” Leahy said.
“Maggie is one of the jewels of our north and we want to make sure residents and visitors have ease of access when on the island.
“Through the QRA we’ll work closely with Council right through to project completion, delivering a stronger Sooning Street bridge for the people of Townsville and Magnetic Island.”
Member for Townsville, Adam Baillie, said he had worked with all levels of government to advocate for funding for the vital link for Magnetic Island.
“With this funding we are not only able to restore this bridge for the community, but build it back better,” Baillie said.
“This is a huge win for the Maggie community and everyone who visits and I thank the State Government, Townsville City Council and the Federal Government for funding this critical infrastructure.”
Acting Townsville Mayor, Ann-Maree Greaney, said that Council had been working with the BMD / AECOM team to finalise a design for a new 38m bridge to replace the culvert drainage structure that was damaged.
“The recent break in heavy rains has allowed for clean-up and early engineering works to progress well,” Greaney said.
“Once the design is finalised and approvals all signed off, the contractor will begin immediate early stage works, ideally we would love to have a replacement bridge in place by November, weather and conditions permitting.”
