A major win for South Australia’s freight and livestock industries — the new Cooper Creek Barge is now officially open, restoring access along one of the state’s most critical outback transport routes.

The $27.4 million barge, jointly funded by the state and federal governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, provides a safe, reliable crossing at Cooper Creek on the Birdsville Track — a vital route for moving cattle and goods through regional South Australia.

A Lifeline for Livestock Operators

Earlier this year, record rainfall across Queensland sent massive floodwaters into South Australia’s northeast, inundating around 32,000 square kilometres — roughly half the size of Tasmania.
The flooding cut off the Birdsville Track in June, leaving pastoralists without a direct route to transport cattle to Adelaide.

With thousands of cattle stranded across remote properties, the Cooper Creek Barge offers much-needed relief, ensuring livestock can be moved before the harsh summer months set in.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the barge is a crucial link for producers:

“Pastoralists will soon be able to move their stock, which means huge numbers of cattle won’t be stuck in remote areas over summer. This is a significant investment to secure the supply of quality South Australian cattle and support jobs in the meat processing industry.”

Built for Heavy Freight

This isn’t just any barge — it’s the largest of its kind in South Australia, purpose-built for heavy vehicles and livestock transport.

Key capabilities include:

• Capacity to carry vehicles up to a 36.5-metre A-double configuration
• The ability to transport up to 160 cattle per trip
• Modular design made up of 12 pontoons, assembled and bolted together on site
• Operation by Maritime Constructions, which handled both the construction and testing phases

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) confirmed that the barge has already started clearing livestock transport backlogs and is now open to public bookings, with livestock and essential services given priority.

A Strategic Investment in Freight Resilience

Federal Senator Karen Grogan described the project as a long-term investment in the strength and security of South Australia’s freight network:

“This barge provides certainty for businesses and workers in the livestock, meat processing and tourism industries. It’s a safe, reliable transport corridor that will keep communities connected during future flood events.”

Significant works were also undertaken on both approaches to the crossing to ensure the road network remains durable and safe under heavy use. Maintenance and improvement works will continue in the coming weeks to support ongoing operations.

Why It Matters

For transport operators and drivers, the reopening of the Birdsville Track via the Cooper Creek Barge means:
✅ Reduced delays and costly detours
✅ Restored freight reliability for the pastoral sector
✅ Better preparedness for future weather disruptions

The barge is not just a short-term fix — it’s a major infrastructure upgrade designed to keep freight, livestock, and communities moving in some of Australia’s most remote regions.

At Logbook Checker, we’re proud to see investments like this keeping Australia’s transport network strong, safe, and connected — because every kilometre of road access matters to the people who keep this country moving.force.