Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the official opening of the new Cooper Creek Barge — a vital piece of infrastructure that will make a real difference for our pastoralists, freight operators, and remote communities.
After months of isolation caused by record flooding, this $27.4 million investment — jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments — is now reconnecting the Birdsville Track, a lifeline for South Australia's cattle industry and outback tourism.
The vast floodwaters covered over 32,000 square kilometres, nearly half the size of Tasmania, cutting off access to processors and stranding well in excess of 20k head of cattle.
The new barge, the largest of its kind in South Australia, can carry fully loaded A-double trucks up to 36.5 metres long, transporting up to 160 cattle per trip. It’s a game-changer for livestock transport and essential services.
Standing beside the mighty Cooper Creek and seeing the sheer scale of the water, I couldn’t help but reflect on the legacy of the MV Tom Brennan, the very first barge built in 1949 to serve this crossing. That humble steel punt, powered by a 4hp outboard motor, was a lifeline for drovers and mail contractors like Tom Kruse. It served faithfully for over a decade before being replaced by a small barge capable of carrying a single car— and now, more than 60 years later, we welcome a new chapter.
Driving across the barge myself was a surreal experience — a testament to what can be achieved when government and community work together. This isn’t just a transport solution; it’s a symbol of connection, commitment, and continuity for the people of the outback.
Pictures 1. Cutting the ribbon with Sharon Oldfield and Darryl Bell, 2 long standing station owners who I was privileged to ask in joining me in the ribbon cutting 2. Crossing the creek 3. The new barge 4. The original barge M V Tom Brennan 5. The recent barge 60yrs old 6. Showing the vast amount of water 7. The dinghy locals use to get to Marree 7. The new barge in action
