A South Australian barge is keeping the state’s beef supply chain moving by transporting cattle across the flood-affected outback
South Australia’s Cooper Creek barge has carried more than 300 heavy vehicles transporting approximately 12,000 cattle since commencing public operations at the start of November.
The barge allows for safe crossings in Cooper Creek and across the flood-affected outback until permanent road access is reinstated, reconnecting pastoralists, tourism operators, and essential freight routes.
Following the closure of the Birdsville Track in June due to floodwaters, cattle have needed to make a much longer journey to Adelaide or be sold in Queensland.
The South Australian government says this had a significant impact on the state’s economy – putting both meat supply and jobs at risk.
The barge will continue to run seven days per week, from 7am to 5:30pm – including over the Christmas and New Year period.
It is expected to continue operating throughout January 2026.
Water levels and weather conditions continue to be closely monitored, with planning also underway for the re-opening of the Birdsville Track.
As this track has been inundated since June 2025, some repairs are expected before traffic could safely travel.
“The Cooper Creek barge has already proven incredibly valuable, transporting more than 600 vehicles and more than 12,000 cattle in its first month of operation,” South Australian transport minister Emily Bourke says.
“This has kept our beef supply chain moving and protected local jobs across South Australia’s meat processing industries.
“We know significant weather events and flooding are becoming more frequent, so futureproofing the area for when the next flood event does occur allows us to act quickly and minimise disruption to important industries and supplies.”
The barge is the largest of its type in South Australia, capable of transporting fully loaded A-Double trucks.