South Australia to Introduce Livestock Barge for Flood-Relief in Far North

Residents in South Australia’s remote north will soon have access to a livestock barge that can ferry animals across the Cooper Creek during floods, the state government announced. This development comes weeks after floodwaters temporarily cut off the Birdsville Track, leaving communities isolated from essential services, livestock markets, and tourism.

The government’s plan follows the absence of a replacement for a single-vehicle barge that previously operated at the crossing near Etadunna. The original barge was moved to Maree for maintenance two years ago and was not replaced before the forecasted flooding in April. Since June 26, communities around Cooper Creek have faced potential isolation for up to eight months, with some areas experiencing disruptions for as long as 18 to 24 months during successive floods.

Local business owner Andrew Norman, who runs the Mungerannie Hotel, has had to shut down tourist operations due to flooding. He criticized the government for not acting sooner, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to support remote communities during these periods of isolation.