Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey has pledged to continue to adjust the state’s freight protocols to help truckies keep the freight moving.
In a statement released today to mark the lifting of the requirement for truck drivers to provide a negative Covid-19 PCR test to enter the state, Bailey said more adjustments will be made to reflect the “health situation”.
“Freight workers and truck drivers are absolutely essential to keeping food on the table and rebuilding our economy, and I cannot thank them enough for their efforts over the last two years,” said Bailey.
“We understand it has been a challenging time for the industry and will continue to support the industry as we have done throughout the pandemic.
“This is one step which will make it easier for them to work in Queensland, and we will continue to adjust the protocols to reflect the health situation.”
Meanwhile, Bailey reminded truckies that they still must be double-vaxxed to enter the state and must complete a new F border pass.
“Drivers must continue to monitor symptoms, and stay home if unwell, have tested positive, or have been deemed a close contact of a confirmed Covid-19 case,” he added.
“If a driver develops symptoms while in Queensland, they must immediately undertake a Covid-19 test and not continue their journey until they have a negative result.”
Changed requirements
Freight and logistics operators are no longer required to:
- show evidence of a negative COVID-19 result before entering Queensland.
- keep records of proximate contacts whilst on duty in Queensland.
Retained requirements
Freight and logistics operators must:
- hold a valid F Pass (Freight and Logistics).
- be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
- immediately undertake a Covid-19 test (PCR or RAT) if you develop symptoms consistent with Covid-19.
- not continue the journey until a negative test result is received, or they have ended their isolation as permitted under a Queensland Public Health Direction.
- check in at all venues and document all interactions by registering applicable QR codes.