Grey nomads seeking to drive the iconic Birdsville Track will be delighted to hear that a new heavy vehicle barge has been launched, allowing for safe crossings of Cooper Creek in Outback South Australia until permanent road access is reinstated.
Heavy flooding in the northeast of the state caused massive damage to road infrastructure and long-term disruption to pastoralists and tourism operators.
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.
The new $27.4 million barge, is the biggest barge of its type in South Australia, capable of transporting a fully loaded A Double truck.
Many grey nomads love to get off the bitumen and onto iconic routes like the Oodnadatta Track and the Birdsville Track. PIC: Cizza
Its operation reopens a crucial transport route in the state’s outback for the movement of 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 Birdsville Track is a 517-kilometre road between Birdsville in south-western Queensland and Marree in South Australia. It is a popular route with tourists as well as an important connection for the livestock industry. The commissioning of the Cooper Creek barge will return regular transportation to the region 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.
Emily Bourke, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, said the investment demonstrated the government’s commitment to help the pastoralists and tourism operators impacted by the floods.
“The purchase of this barge futureproofs the area for the next flood event, allowing us to act quickly the next time the Cooper Creek catchment is flooded,” she said.
The barge will operate seven days a week from 7am-5.30 pm. It will be closed for half a day per week for maintenance.
The barge may also have to close for safety reasons, such as strong winds or severe weather.
An online booking platform is available on the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport website. Bookings can be made up to 14 days in advance, with priority currently being given to freight and essential services.
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
