A newly rebuilt barge is now open to traffic in outback South Australia, allowing heavy vehicles and livestock operators to once again access important supply regions.
The Cooper Creek Barge is open yet again after livestock transporters were cut-off by the record flooding in outback SA.
The $27.4 million new heavy vehicle barge is set to secure the state’s beef supply as it allows for safe crossings in Cooper Creek until permanent road access is reinstated.
The barge is the largest of its type in South Australia and is capable of transporting a fully loaded A-double truck, with its operation reopening a crucial transport route in the state’s outback to move livestock and essential goods.
The barge initially opened for livestock transportation to assist in clearing pastoralist backlog. There are approximately 10,000 cattle dispersed across remote parts of the state due to the flood waters.
The flooding in the northeast of South Australia is the result of significant rainfall in Queensland earlier this year, causing major flooding in Thomson, Barcoo, and Cooper Creek. At its peak, Cooper Creek reached one of the highest levels on record at Innamincka, surpassing the 1974 flood event. The flood waters covered approximately 32,000 square kilometres, an area approximately half the size of Tasmania.
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The commissioning of the barge will return regular transport along the Birdsville Track for the first time since the flood event.
The barge is constructed from 12 modular pontoons, which were first floated in the water and then bolted together. Two cranes had to be transported to the site to help assemble the giant freight link.
Throughout preparation works for the barge, the South Australian government has worked closely with pastoralists and locals in the area to find an effective solution that responds to their needs and suits the unique requirements of the location.
To prepare for the launch, significant works have been undertaken on both approaches to the crossing to ensure the road is suitable for traffic when the barge is in operation. Additional works are currently being carried out for the next few weeks to maintain the road surfaces. The government says its ownership of the barge will futureproof the location against future flood events.
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