The barge can transport vehicles up to a 36.5 metre A-double configuration. Image: DIT
The biggest barge of its kind in South Australia, capable of transporting a fully loaded A-double, has opened up to heavy vehicles.
The opening of the Cooper Creek Barge on the Birdsville Track follows record flooding in the state’s outback.
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 floodwaters covered approximately 32,000 square kilometres, an area approximately half the size of Tasmania.
The Birdsville Track is an important transport route for livestock producers, however since the closure in June, there’s been no direct route for pastoralists to transport cattle to Adelaide.
The state and federal governments jointly funded the $27.4 million barge under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, to allow for safe crossings in Cooper Creek until permanent road access is reinstated.
The Cooper Creek Barge initially opened for livestock operators to assist in clearing transportation backlogs. There are approximately 10,000 cattle dispersed across remote parts of the state due to the floodwaters.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Clare Scriven said, “Pastoralists will soon be able to move their stock, which means huge numbers of cattle won’t be stuck in remote areas of our state over the harsh summer.
“This is a significant investment to secure the supply of quality SA cattle, which helps support jobs in the meat processing industry.”
Senator Karen Grogan added, “This barge is a critical investment in the long-term security of South Australia’s pastoral sector and gives certainty to businesses and workers in the livestock, meat processing and tourism industries.
“It’s great to see trucks and goods moving again.
“The new barge means is a safe and reliable transport corridor for livestock, goods and tourism, and ensures communities can stay connected during flood events in years to come.”
A Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) spokesperson told Big Rigs that a barge was chosen specifically for the ability to transport livestock. “It can transport vehicles up to an A-double configuration of up to 36.5m in length, allowing up to 160 cattle onboard per trip.
“The barge has opened for use and was initially booked for local livestock transportation to clear the backlog. Today (November 5), we have opened booking slots up to the general public, but livestock and essential services continue to take priority.”
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 freight link.
Testing was undertaken before the barge opened to the public for bookings. “It is being operated by our contractor Maritime Constructions who handled the construction and testing phase of the barge,” the DIT spokesperson said.
To prepare for the launch, significant works were 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.
