Cooper Creek Ferry Now Running

Hi All
Just off of the phone from Jade and the Ferry is now officially running. Jade said that the Channel 7 crew were the first to travel across, but Jade and the Children were the first non official vehicle and pedestrians to cross.

Etadunna is a mad house at the moment, media every where. Jade was even taken up in the helicopter and see said it was unreal. She will try and get some picture to me today so I can post them.

The trip over on the ferry only took 7 minutes, which is quite quick.

I will be able to give a first hand story when I get back next Monday.

Here is the very latest from the Transport SA site.


Birdsville Track (Marree to Birdsville)
 4WD Only - Marree To Mungeranie - No access across Cooper Creek floodway due to flooding. Ferry OPEN to suitable vehicles (see Special Notices for guidelines) Sand drifts on northern ferry access road.
 Warning - Mungeranie To Birdsville - Caution at ponded water. Take detour around flood out area north of Moongarra Channel. Caution also between Mirra Mitta and Lake Suprise due to severe wheel rutting

Cheers until next time

Stephen
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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 18:27

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 18:27
Hey, I just saw it on the Channel 7 News promo.

It's got what looks like a canvas roof over each side where the passengers stand.
Must be a new OH&S requirement:-)


Bill.
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 18:55

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 18:55
Hi Bill
I was able to see the report on Channel 10 at work tonight and when I got home was able to see the report on Channel 7. The report in my opinion was better on 10.

Only 2 more sleeps then we head up and we have 3 days for a ride and mega pictures..


Cheers


Stephen
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Reply By: Tonyfish#58 - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 18:30

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 18:30
Steve - Featured on the news tonight in FNQ. I did not like the amount of cars already waiting to cross, makes me think by the time we get there the wait might be enormous. Would not like to spend Holiday hours waiting too long to cross a river.

Will have to ask how much traffic on the road when we get to Birdsville around the 27 July 2010.

Cheers Tony
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 19:11

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 19:11
Hi Tony
The number of cars there would have been there waiting for the ferry to run and like I have said before, it is a good spot for a forced stop.

If you are in the area, you would be silly not to have a ferry ride, as we will not know when mother nature decides to dump lots of rain in that area again.

One statement that I have repeated here on the form is now somewhat wrong. It has been reported that the Cooper floods over the Birdsville Track about every 20 years. When they interviewed Tom Kruse on the radio this morning, Tom made his very first ferry crossing in 1949. From local reports at that time, it was the first time that the Cooper had crossed the then Birdsville Track in 60 years, so in the last few decades, we have been lucky to see it flood at more regular intervals.

Cheers

Stephen
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Follow Up By: jdwynn (Adelaide) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 06:31

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 06:31
60 years...might be a more special event than we know. You'd reckon there would be a photo of the 1949 ferry somewhere - be good to see.

Stephen, when you're up there could you give some thought to how far a tinny would get upstream, i.e. how fast water flowing, how deep, if water level still rising etc, and let us know please. Cheers
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 07:39

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 07:39
Hi jdwynn
It will be a pleasure to get that information for you. This is still early days with the body of water, as it has only been over the Birdsville Track for 8 days now and will be like this and better for months to come. Sounds like you have a great trip with the tinnie planned, it would be great.


Let you know the details when we get back.



Cheers


Stephen
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Follow Up By: jdwynn (Adelaide) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 08:22

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 08:22
thanks Stephen. Yeah, we're just working up an idea for a trip ATM - so many possibilities. But what's happening there is really starting to get my interest. Cheers
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Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 19:59

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 19:59
So!! Let's get this straight! Some are heading to the ferry just to have a ride and slow the travel of the people who really need to use it!! Sounds a little selfisf to me...and all for a 7 minute trip and a photo??? Michael
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 20:09

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 20:09
Hi Michael
If that is what you call it, so be it but for the fact that it is not an every day event. There is nothing selfish about having the ferry ride, but to make things even better for you, I am even taking my kayak. Even Dick Smith said that you are not a true travelled Australian until you have travelled over a flooded Cooper Creek.

Sounds like you will not be making the trip to see history, your bad luck.


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Follow Up By: Steve and Viv - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 20:19

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 20:19
Yea sorry but lighten up. I would give my right arm to see this event and the ferry ride along with it. if there were some needing locals I'm sure they would let us know we were getting pushed down the line for a trip or two
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Follow Up By: Fatso - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 20:25

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 20:25
Yeh eh Michael.
If it was running the overweight kids to school,
or going to a shopping centre to window shop,
or going for a drive around town just to get out of the house,
or driving to the corner shop instead of walking it would be OK.
Imagine how pathetic it is that thousands of Sydney siders travel to the harbour to watch the ferry race. Congesting the roads in the process.
I am with you Michael. Lets lobby to have tourists banned from using ferries & taking photos of them.
Unless they are in Sydney Harbour or the Brisbane River of course.
Lets stop them using the Daintree Ferry & the Moreton Island Ferry & the Fraser Island Ferry.
Heck, why don't we stop them going to Tasmania on the ferry.
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Follow Up By: Member - Lotzi (QLD) - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 20:57

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 20:57
LOL, Fatso, sometimes us minions get to have a say, good on you, hope the vocal minority sit back and take note.

Good on you Stephen for all your efforts.

Cheers

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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 20:58

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 20:58
Hi Faso
Very good reply from you have said. One big point that should also be noted is that unlike all the other ferry rides, the good old Cooper crossing is FREE..

Well said.


Cheers


Stephen
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 22:56

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 22:56
Murray River ferries are free!

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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 23:03

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010 at 23:03
Hi Shaker
I know that, but was referring to the above.


Cheers

Stephen
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Follow Up By: Fab72 - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 12:58

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 12:58
My personal take....the more travellers the better.

The government has spent the time and money to get the engines up and running (have heard reports they are new engines), stationed personnel out there and graded the roads up to and away from the ferry.

Playing devil's advocate for one moment...if no one used the ferry, would the government still fund it? Mmmm.

On the flip side, if there was over whelming patronage, the government may actually look into replacing the current ferry with a bigger/faster unit, perhaps they might even have a left over one from the Hindmarsh Island Bridge project that can carry multiple vehicles, vans and campers.

Locals/workers, medical emergencies, essential equipment etc aside, what a terrible, terrible place to be stuck overnight. To quote Herbert Morrison after the Hindenburg disaster, "Oh, the humanity, and all the passengers screaming around here!"

C'Mon...this is ExplorOz not around the World in 80 days. What's the rush?
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 14:19

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 14:19
Hi Fab72
Very well said. I have been on the phone, yet again to Transport SA, and at the present time, the ferry will manned and operated from 7am to 5pm, but with time and longer daylight hours, the times will be reviewed.

Like all things new, they expect this weekend and the school holidays to be busy, but things should settle down after that. The ferry is a lots faster, thanks to the new motors, so waiting times will not be as bad as when it last ran.

We are now counting down the hours until we leave. One group that we will be meeting from the forum left Adelaide yesterday and should be there now, and Marion was leaving Victoria today, so it should be a great little group to there for the weekend.

It is not too late for anyone to just turn up and heave a great time with like minded people.



Cheers


Stephen
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Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Saturday, Jun 12, 2010 at 20:10

Saturday, Jun 12, 2010 at 20:10
I was unfortunate enough to be in a hospital waiting room today for my son (all ok)
Anyway flicking through the old National Geographics and their was an article on an adventurer name Dennis Bartell who rode the floodwaters of Cooper Creek in a canoe from Dig Tree down to Lake Eye 615 klms over 50 days back in July 1989.
The article was called "Riding the Flood to an Inland Sea" Issue 26 April/June 1992. If any one is interested. It is a wonderful article with great pictures
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 07:16

Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 07:16
Hi Alby
We have just returned from the Cooper and were there when Rex Ellis launched two boats to head around 100 kilometres upstream from the ferry site, and then turning around and retracing their way back down stream and seeing if the Cooper has reached Lake Eyre by then.


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Reply By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 01:09

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 01:09
Woo hoo it us up and running then, 7 minutes isn't so bad, is it only one vehicle at a time??


Thanks yet again Stephen, looking forward to those photo's.

Cheers

Deanna


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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 01:11

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 01:11
Geez I need to go to bed, "it's up and running" not "it us" sorry!!!!!

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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 07:25

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 07:25
Hi Deanna
That is great news and we can not wait. It should have been running a couple of days earlier, but when the motors arrived, one was not working, so they then had to wait the arrival of the new one.

According the out daily paper, The Advertiser yesterday, Dick Smith will be up there by the end of this month to pilot the ferry for period, so that would be great to have a ride when he is operating it then.


Keep you posted.


Cheers


Stephen
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Reply By: Member Brian (Gold Coast) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 06:42

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 06:42
Many thanks again Stephen for your post. We're leaving Monday week to head out that way, just discussed last night that we will detour and find the ferry! From reading the posts, we might have to take a trip over it anyway!! LOL,,, Sorry Micheal, but when it's a once-in-who-knows-how-long event, then most people will succumb to the urge to try it!!
And we're no different to anyone else!!

Can't wait to see it.

Cheers

Brian

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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 07:33

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 07:33
Hi Brian
It should be a trip not to be forgotten. One very important factor that also should be taken into account is the number of people that will uses the ferry.

The number of people that now take a great interest in outback Australia is booming and it could make our state Government rethink the need in future years for an upgraded newer type ferry.

On another matter that was reported on the Channel 10 News, the man that is now piloting the ferry is doing it in memory of his Dad, who was a ferry operator when it last ran in 1990.

You will have a ball when you get there.

Regards

Stephen
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Follow Up By: Member Brian (Gold Coast) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 07:39

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 07:39
Thanks Stephen,
I watched the 10 news report online a few minutes ago... it's got me excited all over again!!

We're thinking we'll drive to the ferry to see it, but may not cross depending on how many people are there etc..... we don't really need to cross it I don't think, but if the line up isn't too big, we'll give it a go. An historic event in my book! The ferry operators comments about his Dad were very touching IMO.

Cheers

Brian
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 07:46

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 07:46
Hi Brian
You will have a ball. It is not school holidays and much of the initial fuss will be over. All I can say is that great Nike saying..."Just Do It", as we do not know when his event will happen again. You could even be there when Dick Smith is there and that would be a big bonus..


Have a great and safe trip.


Regards


Stephen
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Reply By: Dion - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 07:47

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 07:47
Stephen,
what ever it is you are smoking, can you share it about! It must be good, I want some.
SA Gov have made their dissent very very clear for the pastoralists of the Birdsville Track, businesses along the entirety of the Birdsville Track and the tourists that want to travel up the track, the hordes of visitors for the Birdsville races, transportation of goods, groceries and primary produce.
DTEI stated it would just be a plain waste of taxpayers money to provide a suitable punt/ferry for the 1 in 20 year flooding of the Birdsville Track.
Dissent could flow both ways, but of course with an election just held, the Gov will be hoping that people have short memories in 4 years time.

regards,
Dion.
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 08:01

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 08:01
Hi Dion
It will be very interesting to see when the waters subside, true and accurate figures on just how many vehicles and people use the ferry this time. Not being a betting man, I would bet they will be huge and make future Governments take notice for future events.


Cheers


Stephen
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Reply By: fugwurgin - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 09:21

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 09:21
i have to say i initialy didnt know what all the fuss was about with this ferry. i didnt really want to ask on here as people seemed to watch the updated posts with interest and i didnt want to sound stupid (not that that would be hard). But saw the news story on imparja last night. NOW i understand. what an awesome event! would love to see it in operation. the driver seemed like a bit of character and he must be chuffed to do it in memory of his father.
i read above that it is free? who funds it? why is it free?
and also can you take camper trailers on it? is there a website\book about the ferry as im keen to learn more.
well done to those who posted updates and provided pics.

I would like to make the "pilgrimage" to experience it but might wait for the crowds to die down a bit.

fug
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 14:04

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 14:04
Hi Fug
Yes indeed it is a very bid event, and that know one can predict when it will happen again. If you get the chance, it will well be worth the drive. Even though it is a ferry crossing, just like the River Murray Ferry Crossings in South Australia, it falls under the hammer of Transport SA. Years ago there was a token charge to use the ferries, but that went out over 40 years ago.

As part of the services that are supplied by Transport SA operating and maintenance is their responsibility and is paid for by our Taxes in South Australia.

As for your camper trailer, yes you can BUT the maximum length of your vehicle is not to exceed 7.8 metres in length. If you fall outside of that, you can push you trailer on to the ferry, but is up to you to get it on and off. This again will fall down to the ferry operator, if he deems it safe for you to get the trailer on.

Below is copied from the Transport SA Web Site, so this be help you a little more.


Cheers

Stephen

http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklinks/northern_roads/area1.asp




COOPER CREEK FERRY INFORMATION
Signs displaying condition of use of the ferry will be installed at Marree, Birdsville, Mungeranie and at the ferry crossing.
Conditions of use of the ferry:
Maximum load for vehicles - 10t gross
Maximum load for cattle on hoof - 8t gross
Maximum length of vehicles is 7.8m - Trailers are permitted providing the total length of towing vehicle and trailer does not exceed 7.8m - CARAVANS ARE NOT PERMITTED
Persons use the ferry at own risk
No more than 6 persons permitted on ferry at the one time
No persons permitted in vehicles during crossing
Lifejackets must be worn
The ferry will operate during daylight hours only 7 days per week weather permitting
All persons must follow instructions and conditions in loading as directed by the ferry operator.
Further ferry information is available at www.sa.gov.au/ferryservices
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Follow Up By: fugwurgin - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 14:37

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 14:37
Thanks very much Stephen

Thats a great followup with lots of info for me. I may have to leave the trailer behind and take my tent instead.

Its a great service provided by SA Gov (glad to see not all the taxes stay in the cities) unlike the NSW Gov.
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Reply By: Carlin - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 13:44

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 13:44
Does anyone know a link to watch reports on ten and seven?
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 14:21

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 14:21
Hi Carlin,
I am not aware of any links, but someone may be able to help out. With the information here supplied on the forum, you can not go wrong.


Cheers


Stephen
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Follow Up By: jdwynn (Adelaide) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 15:03

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 15:03
Just found this - some great shots:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/gallery-e6frg6nf-1225877106020?page=1
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Follow Up By: Member Brian (Gold Coast) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 17:52

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 17:52
Try this link, I hope it works!

Well it worked for me, so I'm hoping it does for everyone else! It's the Historic Crossing story on the right hand side bar.

Cheers

Brian

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Follow Up By: jdwynn (Adelaide) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 18:07

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 18:07
Good one Brian. Try mine again:

ferry

Cheers
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Follow Up By: Member Brian (Gold Coast) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 18:42

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 18:42
jd,
I didn't realize that your link was broken. I wasn't having a dig, I was actually not sure if they took the news feed away after so many hours.

Just had a look at your gallery link, man there's a some AWESOME pics there!!

Cheers

Brian
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Follow Up By: jdwynn (Adelaide) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 18:59

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 18:59
No drama's Brian, i didnt realise link not working until your post (sure I tested it too??). Awesome alright - just makes you want to leave to go there now!
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 19:22

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 19:22
Great Pictures.


Cheers


Stephen
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Reply By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 15:29

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 15:29
Stephen,

Even more incentive to use the ferry soon ;)

Aust Army to Build a Bridge over the Cooper???


Cheers Kev
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 19:11

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 19:11
Hi Kev
Thanks for that, very interesting reading. They have worked in the past and would be a cheap makeshift alternative to get large transport across.

We can not wait that long, as all things being equal, we should have used it by Friday.


Cheers


Stephen
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Follow Up By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 19:19

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 19:19
If it is the bridge I am thinking of, I participated in the 1st green field erection of it back in 2006 on Singleton Army Range. There was 40+ semi trailer loads of bridging panels to build it.

Or they may even take out a Floating Support Bridge that is capable of having a load of over 100t and use that as a ferry instead of a semi-permenant bridge structure.

Cheers Kev
Russell Coight:
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Reply By: The Landy - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 16:03

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 16:03
Stephen (and others!)

Taking into account the frequency of this occurrence, anyone with a casual interest in Australian politics will come to a conclusion that there will most likely be at least three changes of government in the time before the next flooding. The statistics covering the ‘2010 flood’ vehicle traffic will be gathering dust in an archive file that has been (conveniently) misplaced...and I suspect our grandchildren will be posting and viewing the same posts on Exploroz in 2030 (and ‘The Landy’ will still be going strong!).

Perhaps I’m sounding somewhat frivolous, but I suspect it will be closer to the truth than anything......such is politics, and okay, maybe ‘The Landy’ will be a museum piece by then...

The reality will be that no government is likely to commit funding to a course of action 10 to 20 years in advance of the problem arising again as too much could change so as to make any course of action redundant until it arises once again. And as I said before, that isn’t to say the local Birdsville Track community should not benefit from a long-term solution. But the ‘million dollar’ question is ‘what is a viable solution’? And, that might be a bridge (who wants that?)

I suspect there is an element of truth to recent comments that inaction is due to the small number of voters in this electorate, and it wouldn’t happen in the ‘big smoke’... In the ‘big smoke’ (aka. Sydney, New South Wales) the solution would have been obvious to those in power, the Government, under the auspices of the Roads & Traffic Authority, will have sold the right to operate that section of the road to private enterprise, for a hefty fee to be witted away on the business of government, and everyone will be slugged, err sorry, charged, $20 bucks for the privilege of crossing.

Given that many (a large percentage?) of the trips to be made on the ferry over the next few months will be non-essential travel by tourists, maybe a fee levied on them could go towards funding a more permanent solution for the Pastoralists along the ‘Track’ whom rely on the ability to be able to cross the Cooper in times of flood.

Footnote: Don’t blame me for another money raising venture for the SA Government, and besides could they be trusted with the money levied!

Cheers, The Landy


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Follow Up By: The Landy - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 16:08

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 16:08
Meant to add, I was prompted to write this after reading member Michael (Moss Vale) comment earlier today, which I thought had some validity....and appears further up the thread..

Cheers, The Landy
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 19:20

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 19:20
Hi Landy
I like you last comment about the levy. Our state Government has applied once off levies in the past and are still in years later, why because it is another back door tax , eg Save the Murray, Emergences Services Levy to name just 2 that are pure money grabbing ventures.

The more that people are vocal about this issue, someone one day will take notice. After reading the post that Kev has a link to, that would be the most logic answer.


Cheers

Stephen
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Follow Up By: The Landy - Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 20:08

Wednesday, Jun 09, 2010 at 20:08
Stephen

Without a doubt a bridge is the only long term solution, whether it is permanent or not will be the question and I made that comment some time ago.

Although, have you overlooked the thrust of my post? To charge a fee for all non-essential travel on the ferry. Perhaps a fund could be set up that assists in providing a more permanent solution for pastoralists living along the Track, and if that is all too difficult to bring to reality, than perhaps a donation to the RFDS or similar in the very least might be a reasonable gesture.

I think Michael’s (Michael – Moss vale) comment earlier today had some validity, after all we know how stressed to capacity the ferry will be, especially with a huge influx of tourists’ some of whom are being promoted to visit the region on this forum. And whilst I don’t suggest that is either bad, or good, perhaps a fee of some kind that benefits the local community (and not government coffers) might be a great way we can acknowledge the difficulties faced by those who live and work in this region all year round, year after year.

Or we can just take the ferry for granted, and ignore the plight of those who live in the region just like the government of SA appears to have done….

All food for thought…….

Cheers, The Landy

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Reply By: alwaysrovin - Thursday, Jun 10, 2010 at 09:20

Thursday, Jun 10, 2010 at 09:20
Thanks a lot to Stephen and Teraa for keeping us all up to date, and to everyone else too for photos and links, etc, etc.

I had hoped to get off work in time to be there around when it crossed the track, now more has come in and I can't get off until August, and even then I'm just hoping I'll get enough time off to go and at least see it, and hopefully cross! - So please, anyone headed out that way, please take plenty of pics for all us poor souls left behind!! Have a great time!

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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 07:40

Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 07:40
Hi
Please make it a must see visit and the flood waters will still be peaking, so there will be mega water. I have just posted more pictures from our trip up there on the weekend.


Cheers

Stephen
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Reply By: klangers - Thursday, Jun 10, 2010 at 19:34

Thursday, Jun 10, 2010 at 19:34
Hi all,
I'm planning a trip up to the cooper and plan on camping near the ferry for a week or maybe more. The condors will be coming also. You can't pass up an opportunity like this, it may not flood again for a very long time. The 28th of june is when i plan to get up there. My advice to you all, GET UP THERE!!!!
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 07:29

Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010 at 07:29
Hi Klangers
When heading north, cross over the ferry and straight on left are some great camping spots, right on the banks of the Cooper. I took my kayak and had a paddle and it was great. The water is still flowing quite fast, so you will make very good speed heading west, but a slower paddle back to camp.

Make sure that you take your thermals, as it was quite cool out on the water.


Cheers

Stephen

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