Hi to All Again
While I have been keeping all updated with the progress of the
Cooper Creek and its progress towards the
Birdsville Track, I would like to share some facts and figures on what the locals along the
Birdsville call the “Ancient Punt”
Before I get shot down by one regular knocker who keeps on insisting “As discussed the subject is now closed.” The facts that I will give come from the SA Farmers most widely read weekly newspaper “The Stock Journal”. On page 10 and 11, there is a great story by Louise McBride and the now very outdated 40 year old punt.
From government figures of the 1990’s flood event, the average number of cars of the
Birdsville Track was 24 vehicles a day. Shane Oldfield who has lived on Clayton Station all his life said that he now seems that number of vehicles go past his front
gate every hour. Sharon Oldfield from Cowarie Station said what will happen when there are 8 decks of cattle (200 head per loading) wanting to cross the ferry at 12 cattle per crossing?
Here are the facts for the “Ancient Punt”
Powered by two 15hp outboard motors.
20 Minutes per crossing during daylight hours only.
10 tonne load limit – one vehicle, one trailer or 8 tonne of stock
Temporary yards for stock not erected as yet
Ferry use includes:
July – December 1974:1266 vehicles, 1873 stock
October 1989 – January 1990: 1072 cars, 13 trailers, 2704 people, 1 stock horse
July 1990 – January 1991: 3665 cars, 457 trailers, 76 motor bikes, 142 Tracks/Buses, 61 tractors/front end loaders, 10,155 people, 122 cattle, 53 horses, 41 camels, 1 pig
2010:????????????????
So what will the figures be for this estimated 6 month closed
Birdsville Track.
Cheers to All
Stephen