Fury as destroyed bridge on Magnetic Island still a wreck month after floods

Outraged locals on Magnetic Island are demanding answers as the shattered remains of a bridge in Nelly Bay sit untouched more than a month after February’s floods. Why the delay? We grilled council and the local MP, and here’s what they had to say.

Residents on Magnetic Island are demanding action as Gustav Creek Bridge remains in ruins a month after the February floods. Picture: Facebook/Greg Radley

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Frustrated residents of Magnetic Island are demanding action as the wreckage of Gustav Creek bridge in Nelly Bay remains untouched more than a month after being obliterated in February’s floods.

The once-functional Gustav Creek bridge on Sooning Street was initially damaged in December’s floodwaters, but February’s deluge left it in ruins.

Since then, locals say Townsville City Council (TCC) has done little to address the mess, allowing further deterioration and potential environmental harm.

Long-term Nelly Bay resident Robyn Gibbs has had enough, calling out the council’s lack of urgency.

She said heavy rains this week have only worsened the situation, with chunks of broken road reportedly washing into the waterway and out to sea.

“TCC has done nothing to repair or prevent further damage to this bridge in three months, and now it is falling apart completely, causing environmental damage to the nearby marina and residents living along the canal,” Ms Gibbs said.

“It is disgusting that our island is promoted as a mecca for tourism, but for ratepayers and residents, all we see is destruction.”

Damage along Gustav Creek bridge after flooding in December, 2024. Picture: Supplied

Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said he has been pushing for urgent repairs.

“I raised this matter in person with the Queensland State Recovery Coordinator on March 7 and urged them to visit Magnetic Island to see the extent of the damage first-hand,” he said.

“On my recommendation, the QSRC team visited Sooning Street Bridge on March 12. I welcome the news that Townsville City Council has sought funding for betterment repairs, but this is only the first step.”

“I will continue to push for immediate action from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to ensure these critical repairs happen without delay.

Residents on Magnetic Island are demanding action as Gustav Creek Bridge remains in ruins a month after the February floods. Picture: Facebook/Greg Radley

“The Magnetic Island community cannot afford inaction. I understand a detour remains in place; however, detours are not a solution — this bridge must be fixed, and I will keep fighting until it is.”

A Townsville City Council spokeswoman confirmed that structural and environmental assessments were completed in late February.

Then council staff and consultants met with the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning to determine what type of structure would be permitted under current regulations on February 20.

“Council is currently working with consultants on preliminary design, demolition plans, and delivery programs,” she said.

“Council’s teams are regularly on site and are removing debris where possible to lessen the damaged structure’s environmental impact.”

They said since December, the area has recorded more than 2000mm of rain, which had further complicated their recovery efforts.

Originally published as Fury as destroyed bridge on Magnetic Island still a wreck month after floods