Cooper Creek Ferry is OPEN

Submitted: Sunday, Nov 02, 2025 at 16:25

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Sir Kev

The new Ferry is up and running

Press release and booking details

Time to go for a drive and see how the new ferry compares to the old one.

Russell Coight:
He was presented with a difficult decision: push on into the stretching deserts, or return home to his wife.

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Reply By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Sunday, Nov 02, 2025 at 16:33

Sunday, Nov 02, 2025 at 16:33

$10 per Motor Bike

$25 per car up in Coaster Bus size

$15 Camper, trailers ect

$750 B Double

Maximum of 12 people on the barge per crossing excluding barge crew

All prices one way crossing

Booking Must be made in advance and you must register online

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Follow Up By: RMD - Sunday, Nov 02, 2025 at 18:54

Sunday, Nov 02, 2025 at 18:54

That is a big SLUG. The SA government certainly isn't running it as a SERVICE and seems intent to recoup the HUGE COST. Is it Gold plated and operators trained in seamanship? The cost for a BDouble will dissuade them and take the gloss off any profit. A stations cattle sales profit must take another hit.

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Follow Up By: Member - nick boab - Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 07:01

Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 07:01

Rmd .. have you been to the butcher shop lately ol~mate, lol:))

Photo courtesy of Glen Hughes FB

Cheers Nick

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Follow Up By: Member - Ups and Downs - Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 09:14

Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 09:14

Other than the B Double I thought the prices were reasonable.

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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 09:22

Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 09:22

As far as I can recall, every other public ferry in South Australia (including all the ones crossing the Murray River) are free, run 24/7 and no booking is required.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 10:40

Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 10:40

RMD

It’s out of the hands of DIT and under the control of Australian Maritime

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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 10:44

Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 10:44

Yes Peter

You can take a B Double in the ferry at Waikerie, the only ferry in South Australian licensed to carry B Double trucks and the cost is $0.00

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Follow Up By: RMD - Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 19:33

Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 19:33

Stephen.
Are the other ferries NOT CONTROLLED BY the Maritime crew?

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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 23:09

Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 23:09

RMD

We have 12 River Murray ferries here in South Australia that are operated and run by 3 private contractors . Not sure how they are divided up, but the contractor that I know runs the Morgan, Cadel and Lyrup ferries.

Yes the private contractors have to follow strict conditions as set out by the Australian Maritime Authority, but it is not run by Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

When initially DIT put out tenders to the 3 private contractors to run the new barge, only one contractor actually put in a tender, but not sure the outcome and because the Federal Government co funded the project, it was then decided that Australia Maritime would then control and run the whole project.

The new Cooper Creek barge consists of 8 giant single units that are all bolted together and the guys at Maritime Safety specialise in this type of project. Also all their operators are all qualified ferry operators.

If you or I wanted to become a qualified operator, it usually takes a minimum of 28 days with on job training and this would have been a nightmare training new operators, so this is why Australian Maritime Safety Authority took complete control.

So you can see there is a lot more behind the scene work going on that I have been very privileged to be told about in confidence, and that is why when I have been reporting, it has come direct from various departments, and not just hearsay.

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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 23:25

Monday, Nov 03, 2025 at 23:25

Also for the record Nick, regarding the photo that you showed, you stated that the image was from Glen’s Facebook Page.

Now seeing you follow Facebook, would have seen that that image was first on my Floods page and Glen copied it and then reposted under his page and the full credit should go to Lynton Crombie, who actually took the photo and it is his truck loaded with cattle.

This was part of the official stability trials that have been ongoing and Sir Kev in his wisdom said the new barge is open, which is false information, as it is not officially open to the public until 11am this Wednesday and will be opened by the Honourable Geoff Brock MP

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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 09:49

Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 09:49

I should have also mentioned regarding the fee for crossing the barge, that Emergency Services vehicles and trucks carrying essential services, eg fuel, food and hay for stations will be exempt from the fees and will have priority over paying users.

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Follow Up By: Sir Kev - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 12:07

Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 12:07

Stephen,

DILLIGAF as to the technicalities of when the ferry is Officially operational?

I posted a Press release about it and left it at that.
Go back to your self promotional facebook page and annoy people there, as stated previously, you are not the ONLY person who has information on this, so stop gloating like you are.

Russell Coight:
He was presented with a difficult decision: push on into the stretching deserts, or return home to his wife.

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Follow Up By: Member - nick boab - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 13:39

Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 13:39

Don't think I saw any credits to who was the author of the photograph when I shared it from the Traveller Facebook page but I did notice the company name on the truck. Familiar site when Outback traveling.

Tanami transport

Cheers Nick

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Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 14:29

Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 14:29

The photo shown is of a type 1 road train, not a B Double. Wonder how the pricing is for that configuration?

Bob

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Can't remember most of it.

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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 16:35

Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 16:35

Hi Bob

Regardless of B Double or Roadtrain flat fee one way $750

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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 16:44

Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 16:44

Sir Kev

Why are you always so agro towards me ?

I was only pointing out the fact that the new barge is not operational to the public until tomorrow, then you claim you only posted a press release. which is clearly not the way your post reads.

If this is the case, where was the Press Release reseased please, as the link that you posted is not a press release, but on the South Australian DIT Outback Roads Page.

Then you silly statement Go back to your self promotional facebook page and annoy people there," at least the information that I post there by myself with my members of over 10,000 people is accurate and reliable

You please show me where I have been rude to you, unlike your comments.

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Reply By: RMD - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 16:36

Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 16:36

A few years ago when the flood was about to cut the COOPER, I was in Marree and met an Aboriginal chap who was going out to the ferry. I talked to him for a while and he was preparing to go with his cousin to run the ferry. The two of them operated the ferry each time. I guess they are OUT of a JOB now the MILLIONS have been spent to get a new ferry and OFFICIALDOM has made them Redundant. The water which has to be crossed much be far more Technical than before!

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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 07:28

Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 07:28

RMD,

Considering that the Cooper Creek does not flood and close the Birdsville track every year, it was hardly a permanent regular job for these guys.

Macca.

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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 09:54

Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 09:54

RMD

If you were speaking with the gentleman who was a ferry operator, you would have also been told that they were employed by DIT and most likely a plant operator, roller operator, grader driver etc.

The ferry operators were only DIT employees and just employed to be ferry operators and ran on a 2 week roster, 2 weeks as a ferry operator then back to their usual job and if they were lucky enough, they may have had another stint and not just any Tom, Dick or Harry taken off the street.

I know from past comments towards me from you that you disagree with what I always write, but unlike you, I do actually know first hand what I write and comment on and not just guess on facts that are incorrect.

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Reply By: Member - Jim S1 - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 18:42

Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 at 18:42

Looking at the ferry schedule I see that it was operational for traffic today. Interesting that tomorrow it is all booked . Possibly for the official opening activities.

Cheers
Jim

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need", Cicero

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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 11:33

Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 11:33

Hi Jim

From what I am hearing, the next month or so it is going to be very hectic with station stock trucks on the new barge.

Stock trucks carrying cattle will have priority over conventional vehicles, with only one truck on the barge at a time, not unless things change. One of my friends has pre booked 250 road trains for the next month and they have over 6000 head of cattle to get to Murray Bridge and Naracoorte.

All cattle along the Birdsville Track are all Organic and the markets in Queensland do not have seperate facilities to hold the organic cattle seperate, as in our Southern abattoirs, they cater for the premium cattle that get higher prices.

The 250 Road Trains is just for one station only and was told a bigger producer has far more cattle to head south, so the barge is going to be extremely busy just getting all those trucks over, let alone a vehicle going for a drive.

Cheers

Stephen

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Reply By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 14:30

Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 14:30

This now official from the Government Minister to me this morning.
Hon Emily Bourke MLC

25MIT23030

Mr Stephen Langman

Dear Mr Langman

I’m pleased to inform you that the Cooper Creek barge is now operational, allowing
for safe crossing of the Birdsville Track until permanent road access is reinstated
with a focus on keeping livestock and other freight moving.

The $27.4 million barge, jointly funded by the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor
Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, will restore regular
transportation for pastoralists and tourists to the region.

It demonstrates our Government’s commitment to backing regional industry by
investing in the biggest barge of its type in South Australia, capable of transporting a
fully loaded A Double truck. During previous floods this crossing has been serviced
by only a small single car ferry, unsuitable for livestock and other freight movements.
Following a period of rigorous testing, the new barge has initially opened for livestock
transportation. The barge will be open to the general public from 5 November, with
the booking system now available.

We know that the demand is there – and that is why we’ll increase to a 24/7 service
from this Thursday (6 November) for a period of 4 weeks to get freight moving.
Bookings can be made up to 14 days in advance at https://bookings.cooper-
creek.dit.sa.gov.au/. Information on availability, cost and terms of service are also
available here.

The Government is pleased to have worked in close partnership with pastoralists
and locals to deliver an effective solution - Insights provided by key stakeholders
have ensured the barge meets the unique needs of the area and protects the
important livestock industry operating in this region.

On behalf of the Department, I thank you for your time, patience and valued
contributions that have supported delivery on this investment that will support long-
term flood resilience.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Minister for Autism
GPO Box 1533 Adelaide SA 5001
Tel +61 8 7133 1100 | Email minister.bourke@sa.gov.au
OFFICIALOFFICIAL

For the latest, up-to-date information on road closures impacted by the flood waters,
please visit the Outback Roads website (dit.sa.gov.au/outbackroads). This page will
be updated if the barge ever needs to close due to weather or for routine maintenance.
Yours Sincerely
Hon Emily Bourke MLC
MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT

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Follow Up By: Tony W - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 15:44

Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 15:44

Spam LOL.

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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 16:10

Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 16:10

You say spam it shows that you are like many here and don’t look carefully at how things are posted on this site

When ever anybody posts a comment or reply the date and time is always added to it and that relates to when I shared the official ministers reply to me and not to any other media outlet

So your reply stating it is Spam it totally wrong and back to you to update your wrong comment

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Follow Up By: RMD - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 18:45

Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 18:45

Stephen.
Why would the minister be answering to you?
Why do you need ask in the first place?
Is all your stock being transported across the Cooper?
It would be Far, Far cheaper to pay the additional fuel costs of everyone proving need of the transporting while the road isn't open. $27.4 Mil is a lot of cash.

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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 18:58

Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 at 18:58

RMD

Yet another ignorant reply from you…why did the Minister reply to me, …..simply because I have been in contact with their department since March this year and getting the most latest and reliable updates before they were made posted to the public with press releases which Sir Kev completly regards as Bull S…..

As for your also ignorant reply about the cost of transporting stock across the Cooper, I suggest that you do more research.

All Birdsville Track cattle are organic, or is that a world that you do not know what it means?

South Australian markets pay a premium for organic cattle and the markets in Queensland do not, so I suggest that before you again attack my replies, do more research to stop yourself looking like a fool…

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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Thursday, Nov 06, 2025 at 08:16

Thursday, Nov 06, 2025 at 08:16

Yes Stephen,

The “Tall poppy” syndrome strikes again.

Thank you for your diligence in keeping us informed with accurate information direct from the source.

Macca.

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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Thursday, Nov 06, 2025 at 09:17

Thursday, Nov 06, 2025 at 09:17

Thank you Macca for your support, at least you can see what is happening and I will now strike back on any member that tries to bully me with facts that they have no idea about.

Cheers

Stephen

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Reply By: ModSquad - Thursday, Nov 06, 2025 at 12:54

Thursday, Nov 06, 2025 at 12:54

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