The VIC border closure is impacting transport, freight and logistics. Here’s the latest news on the rules and regulations and how we expect it to play out in the coming weeks. We will be keeping you regularly updated as the situation changes. Together, we can help flatten the curve once again.
The following information is taken from the latest state government updates, the FTA, APSA and ALC.
New South Wales
NSW will be creating an additional permit, to better support critical workers in the Freight and Transport sector and to clarify terms and conditions.
This permit will allow people within the freight and transport industry to be able to travel between NSW and Victoria for the purpose of their duties, providing their employer has a COVID-19 Safety Plan and will not require them to self-isolate.
The NSW Government has commenced the development of the new permit, which is now live through Service NSW. COVID-Safe plans and guidelines to assist the industry are also available to align with this additional permit at nsw.gov.au/covid/covid-safe-businesses.
Any employees displaying symptoms of COVID-19 should not be required to come to work.
Transport for NSW is asking freight operators to be conscious of the significantly increased health risk in Victoria. This is a reminder to take extra care and ensure vigilance — practise physical distancing, minimise contact and maintain good hygiene practices to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.
While all efforts are being made to ensure freight moves as efficiently as possible, operators are encouraged to plan ahead as some delays may be experienced and to factor this into fatigue management plans. You can see the latest traffic information at https://www.livetraffic.com/.
Queensland & South Australia
ACF would like to acknowledge and thank the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) for the following update:
State authorities have advised of the following changes relevant for freight and logistics workers entering Queensland and South Australia.
Freight vehicle drivers entering Queensland MUST now complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass.
The declaration requires drivers to declare whether they have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the previous 14 days (note that at present, Queensland defines the entire state of Victoria as a hotspot).
Having been in a hotspot does not prevent those performing essential tasks from entering Queensland – but this question must be answered truthfully on the border declaration.
Queensland authorities have confirmed that they will not be physically stopping trucks at the border (other than to conduct random spot checks, which have been occurring since March).
Queensland authorities have further confirmed that those providing transport of freight and logistics are not required to quarantine – see Schedule 2 (6) of the Border restrictions Direction (No. 8).
However, a person entering Queensland for an essential activity (including transport of freight and logistics) must:
- keep and retain written records of close contacts for a 14-day period commencing on their date of arrival in Queensland, or, if they remain in Queensland for a period of less than 14 days, for that period; and
- provide the records to an emergency officer (public health) if directed by an emergency officer (public health) or to a contact tracing officer; and
- minimise contact with the community for a period of 14 days; and
- to the extent reasonably practicable, practice social distancing including by remaining at least 1.5 metres from other people.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australia has issued an updated Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel No 8) (COVID-19) Direction 2020. This has now come in to effect.
The new direction imposes a requirement on commercial transport and freight drivers who usually reside in Victoria to:
- Wear a face mask when interacting with the public in South Australia;
- Maintain records of close contacts; and
- self-quarantine in South Australia when not undertaking work related duties (they may quarantine in their truck, or other private arrangement provided they are segregated from other people)
Other commercial transport and freight drivers who enter South Australia in the conduct of their duties are not required to self-quarantine.
As per the existing arrangements, those entering South Australia (including freight vehicle drivers) are required to complete a cross-border pre-approval form.
SA authorities encourage those who have more specific questions about their personal circumstances to contact the dedicated SA information line – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days on 1800 253 787.
ACF is updating you on all customs and forwarding news, in Australia and across the world. Keep checking in regularly for the latest COVID-19 news and updates.