Cooper Creek Barge Opens in a Win for the Pastoral Industry

Livestock SA has welcomed the opening of the new Cooper Creek Barge, describing it as a critical lifeline for South Australia’s pastoral industry and outback communities.

The barge, capable of carrying A-Double truck configurations, restores a vital transport link for freight and livestock after record flooding in the state’s north-east earlier this year left producers and businesses cut off.

Livestock SA Chief Executive Travis Tobin said the project demonstrates the value of government and industry working together to deliver lasting regional solutions.

“Our members raised this issue with us, and we took it to government to ensure the importance of reliable access for the pastoral community was understood,” Mr Tobin said.

“Without this barge, pastoralists and other businesses across the region would have faced serious losses, and communities would have been left isolated for months.”

Mr Tobin said the barge will secure the ongoing supply of quality South Australian cattle to southern processing facilities and safeguard regional jobs.

“The Cooper Creek Barge is more than a transport fix — it’s a symbol of commitment to the people who keep the state’s beef industry running,” he said.

The barge will remain in operation while road restoration works continue, with bookings available via the Department for Infrastructure and Transport website.