Sounds of progress with piles driven at Sooning Street

Twelve 28-metre concrete piles will be driven into the Gustav creek bed from Monday, as the first official structural component of the Sooning Street bridge construction.

Mayor Nick Dametto said the piles installation had been a long time coming and had been delayed slightly off the back of the heavy rainfall over the past few weeks.

“We commenced site preparations ahead of the wet season because we didn’t want to be sitting around waiting for the rains,” Cr Dametto said.

“While there was a slight delay due to ongoing rainfall causing some minor damage to the temporary piling rig rock pad - the contractor is now ready to begin driving these foundations in the ground.

“From Monday, residents and visitors to the island can expect to hear loud banging as the piles are driven some 28 metres into the ground over the next three weeks.

“While the noise will be constant during work hours, unfortunately this is the sound of progress as we work to get this bridge constructed.

“Once the piles are installed, the bridge will really begin to take shape, with BMD installing the concrete abutments and headstocks that support the deck beams next.”

Councillor Dametto said the price of the bridge construction is around $18 million and Council was working closely with the Australian and Queensland Governments to build flood-damaged infrastructure back better.

“The project is funded through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA),” Cr Dametto said.

“What we’re building on Magnetic Island is better than what nature destroyed last year, which is in line with the State’s betterment focus.

“We are updating the program of works for the bridge construction, but providing we do not receive any further severe weather, the bridge remains scheduled for reopening by mid‑2026.”

Given the piling rig is operating in the vicinity of overhead powerlines, an alternative power supply route has been identified to ensure the 11kva powerlines that cross Gustav Creek can be isolated without disrupting power to those in the area.

For more information visit the Gustav Creek Structure Restoration Work project page.