Ongoing Birdsville Track closure hits outback businesses

The Birdsville Track, a crucial route stretching over 500 kilometers through outback South Australia and Queensland, has been closed for 400 days over the past two years due to rain damage. This unsealed road, essential for freight and tourism, allows access to local properties for cattle movement and connecting livestock markets.

The prolonged closure has severely impacted businesses like the Marree Roadhouse, owned by Lyall Oldfield, whose revenue has dropped by nearly a third. Similarly, the Mungerannie Hotel, opened in 2023, has remained closed since, unable to receive critical water deliveries due to road access issues. Co-owner Andrew Norman expressed concern, citing the devastating impact on tourism, predicting a potential return to normalcy only if the northern sections of the track are reopened.

The South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport is currently assessing the feasibility of reopening the 200km segment between Marree and Mungeranie, with completion expected in several months. However, the road north of Mungeranie is anticipated to remain closed for an extended period, further hampering tourism and local businesses reliant on the track's accessibility.