Last updated 14 July 2020

With coronavirus (COVID-19) declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the spread of the virus is very much a concern for road transport businesses. It is impacting on businesses globally in many ways including reduced trade, temporary business closures, staffing issues, and supply chain interruptions. The following information and resources aim to help you manage your business during the crisis and into the recovery phase.

Please note: If you are concerned that you or someone in your family may have coronavirus symptoms and should get tested, then it's best to call coronavirus health information hotline on 1800 020 080 for advice.

This hotline has been expanded to a 24/7 operation that will triage people to a fever clinic or suggest they phone their local GP for follow up.

Cross border controls
State Governments have implemented border restrictions for freight services. Heavy vehicles are now subject to controls at most borders between the states and territories. Access the latest cross border controls here.

Grants and financial assistance 

Templates
In order to help members manage their work health and safety obligations, NatRoad has published a COVID-19 WHS policy for use by members. The template is free for members but it can also be tailored to suit individual businesses. Tailoring of the policy by our member services team is available on a fee-for-service basis. Non-members are able to access the template for a fee, for more information email info@natroad.com.au.

COVID-19 Workplace Policy
COVID-19 Risk Assessment Template
Essential traveller - record of close contact

FAQ's

JobKeeper Payments
Workplace obligations and entitlements
Common tax questions about COVID-19

Can we still drive two-up? 
Two-up driving teams are provided for under the NT, QLD, SA, TAS and WA border restriction exemptions if they fit in the following exemption category and the two-up operations were in place prior to the commencement of the border restrictions.

Factsheets and guidelines

COVID-19 Cab Sanitisation Guidelines 
Guidelines - Point of delivery procedure guidelines during COVID-19
Fact sheet - Supporting businesses to retain jobs - Job keeper payment 
Fact sheet - Income support for individuals
Fact sheet - COVID-19 Financial Assistance For Professional Drivers
Fact sheet - Cashflow assistance for businesses 
Fact sheet - Fact sheet Cornonavirus - Assistance for severely affected regions
Fact sheet - Economic Response to the Coronavirus 
Fact sheet - Delivering support for business investment 
Fact sheet - What you can and can’t say to staff during the COVID-19 pandemic

Poster 
Important COVID-19 hygiene for drivers

Where to get tested for COVID-19?

The Department of Health is funding up to 100 GP respiratory clinics to help protect Australians. If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19 you can contact a clinic to be assessed and get clinical advice

For a state by state breakdown visit:

https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/coronavirus-covid-19-gp-respiratory-clinics

Below is an additional helpful site with an Australian wide list of (COVID-19) testing locations.
https://www.finder.com.au/coronavirus-testing-locations

Noting that:

  • Some COVID-19 testing clinics will require you to have a referral from a medical professional or to make a booking in advance.
  • Many clinics will require you to wear a face mask when visiting and to notify staff that you require coronavirus testing on arrival.
  • Testing will usually be free for Medicare cardholders, but always check first.
  • Some pathology clinics will only conduct testing for low-risk patients and will refer higher-risk patients to hospitals.

Facilities update 

Don’t get caught out on the road, know where facilities are OPEN. We have had a number of concerned members reporting that some roadhouses have closed their amenities. 

In response, BP has launched its online store locator which features up-to-date site information, including available facilities such as showers and lounge access for truck drivers. Access to this information is on the BP website and it will be updated daily.

NHVR have also launched an online tool that maps service centres, truck stops and roadhouses that remain open for heavy vehicle drivers. Access this here now. 

NSW update: Transport for NSW continues to support our road freight industry by ensuring our heavy vehicle rest stop facilities are available and operational. The NSW Government has also taken steps to ensure commercial facilities can still trade. Transport for NSW assures us that they continue to service our 600+ sites, all of which remain open.

The location of all rest stops operated by Transport for NSW can be found at online.

Websites

Natroad news articles 

Smartphone apps

Stay up to date on the COVID-19 situation with the official Australian Government applications. Now available as a free download.