Victorian’s seven-day lockdown has now begun and truck drivers can expect lengthy border delays, with contradictory controls across different states sure to add to the confusion. Here’s what to know.
The latest state-wide Victorian lockdown began at midnight last night and is due to be in place until 11.59pm on June 3.
Four new cases were announced today, bringing the cluster to 30.
While Victorians are well versed on lockdowns and COVID restrictions, it’s set to bring about major headaches for interstate truckies having to travel over the state’s borders.
National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has called it ‘Groundhog Day’ for those who need to cross state borders regularly.
“They’re well versed in the contradictory rules that add to the red tape burden of owning or operating a heavy vehicle,” Clark said.“We’re renewing our calls for all levels of government to deliver a standardised system of border permits for the road freight industry.”
Clark added that every major border needs a dedicated freight lane to prevent truck drivers being caught in delays that can last hours.
“It’s clearly a safety issue and if we’re going to acknowledge road freight as an essential service, then let’s not just pay lip service,” he added.
“To keep doing this essential work, we need consistency from every State and territory regarding border closures, permit conditions, testing regimes and consistent timing for asymptomatic testing as they affect the road freight industry and its workers.
Here’s the latest from the states:
Crossing into NSW from Victoria
NSW Health has issued a Concerns Notice that requires anyone entering NSW from Victoria to self-isolate except for essential reasons – this includes the transport of freight.
People who have only transited through the Sturt Highway and did not leave the vehicle are excluded from these restrictions.
Entry declaration forms must be completed if you are entering NSW on or after 13 May 2021 and you have been in Victoria in the previous 14 days.
The form needs to be completed either within the 24-hour period before you enter NSW or on entry.
More information and updates can be found on the Road Freight NSW website.
Crossing into SA from Victoria
South Australia Police has re-established border checkpoint stations at:
- Sturt Highway, Yamba
- Mallee Highway, Pinnaroo
- Dukes Highway, Wolseley
- Wimmera Highway, Laurie Park
- Casterton Road, Penola
- Glenelg Highway, Myora
- Princes Highway, Glenburnie
- Glenelg River Road, Donovans/Nelson
Delays are expected due to increased traffic and the processing of travellers on the Cross Border Travel Registration platform.
South Australia Police advises, “People driving into South Australia having been in Greater Melbourne or the City of Bendigo, Victoria are only permitted to use the above roads. Cross Border Community Members are permitted to enter via any road providing they have not been in Greater Melbourne or the City of Bendigo.”
SARTA added, “If there is any indication of a build of traffic they have the option (if it is safe to do so) to wave commercial vehicles through the border control site, but again I reinforce this will only happen if it is safe to do so.
“If there is no other traffic in the vicinity then commercial vehicles can expect and should prepare to be stopped and asked for their Cross Border (Essential Traveller) Number.”
To access the Cross Border Travel Registration platform, please click here.
Queensland border controls
All of Victoria has been declared a Queensland COVID-19 hotspot as of 1am AEST Friday May 28, 2021.
The Operational protocol for freight movements entering Queensland now applies.
Freight and logistics operators entering Queensland must have a valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass.
The Queensland Government recommendeds that freight and logistics operators who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the 14 days prior to entering Queensland be tested for COVID-19 within seven days prior to entering Queensland and maintain a rolling seven-day testing cycle while they continue to travel into and out of COVID-19 hotspots.
Freight and logistics operators who choose to have routine COVID-19 testing are not required to isolate while awaiting a test result if they are asymptomatic.
If they are symptomatic however, they must continue to follow all relevant public health advice, including isolating until a negative test result is received and they are symptom-free.