Friday, 14 August 2020

Information for Essential Travellers – Commercial Transport and Freight Services

14 August 2020

Freight Movement Code

As previously advised, National Cabinet endorsed the Freight Movement Code for the Domestic Border Controls – Freight Movement Protocol to become an enforceable Code with each state to implement the code as soon as practical.

In consultation with SA Police the Code will be implemented on Monday, August 17.  

For reference the Code can be found here: Cross Border Code

It is important to note that South Australia has already implemented the majority of measures, including:

• 7 day testing cycle. If essential travellers have not had a test within the last 7 days they will be directed by an authorised officer to obtain a test as soon as practical.
• Heavy Vehicle testing sites. Please note that hours of operation and sites are being reviewed to improve service to the industry.
• A requirement to have the appropriate PPE.
• A requirement to have a COVID-19 safe work plan.

Future activities include working with other states to ensure that there is national recognition of COVID-19 safe plans and proof of testing requirements.  Please ensure you obtain and keep proof of testing, eg receipt, text or photo, to show an authorised officer if requested.

The key point for Commercial Transport Freight Essential Worker from Victoria who lives near the border and who had previously used a Cross Border Community Traveller exemption to move freight into SA will no longer be permitted entry.  You will need to resubmit an application under Commercial Transport and Freight essential traveller category.

COVID Marshals for Distribution Centres

In this update there is now a requirement for COVID marshals at venues with high personal interaction, which includes freight distribution centres.  Marshals will assist to monitor capacity, physical distancing and infection and hygiene controls.

Marshals will be required to have a highly visible presence at Distribution Centres from Friday, August 21.

Testing Stations

Current testing stations are available at:

• Yamba
  Yamba Quarantine Station, National Highway, A20
  Operational 0700 to 1900, seven days per week.
• Tailem Bend
  Caltex Service Station, 8786 Princes Hwy
  Operational 0800 to 1600 hours, seven days per week.
• Port Augusta (dedicated to road and rail industry operators)
  Puma Port Augusta Truck stop, Lot 8, National Highway 1
  Operational 0800 – 2300, seven days per week.

Road Border Entry Requirements

A reminder that all Commercial Transport and Freight Services Essential Travellers into South Australia are required to complete a cross border registration form that must be completed 72 hours prior to arrival.

Commercial Transport and Freight Services Essential Travellers approved to enter SA from NSW, ACT and Victoria must  produce evidence of having a COVID-19 test, or a COVID-19 test result, that is not more than seven days old, upon request from an Authorised Officer (eg SA Police Officer), or obtain a test as soon as practicable on entering SA.

Police Officers at the border will note whether evidence of a test was sighted or a direction to obtain a test was given.  You can use the referral form you received at the border to attend a drive-through testing clinic. Please note that SA Police have advised that some drivers are attempting to cross the border multiple times without undertaking a test and in these instances you may be denied entry by an authorised officer until you undertake a test.

All commercial transport and freight Essential Travellers who are residents of Victoria must wear a face mask when entering South Australia and self-quarantine in their truck or other private arrangements when not undertaking work-related duties. This is not a requirement for essential freight workers who are not Victorian residents.

There are no restrictions on travellers who have completed cross border registration from low community transmission zones such as NT, QLD, WA and TAS provided that they have not been any other place than the low community transmission zone. There is no requirement to self-quarantine while waiting for test results; unless displaying symptoms of COVID-19.

For updates relevant to industry directions issued in South Australia, visit www.dpti.sa.gov.au/covidborderinfo