In response to the latest COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria, all other states and territories have heightened travel and/or border restrictions for all persons, including freight workers, travelling out of Victoria. We encourage members to carefully review the entry requirements for each state and territory below and further information including links to the border permits for each state and territory can be found on NatRoad’s website here.
Victorian border restrictions
Natroad advised late yesterday that Victoria has entered a seven-day lockdown from 11.59 p.m. on Thursday 27 May 2021, with a return to Stage 4 restrictions to contain the current COVID -19 outbreak. At this time, the restrictions will be in place until 11.59 p.m. on Thursday 3 June 2021.
Under the restrictions, freight and logistics are authorised workplaces and workers, and freight services can continue to operate normally throughout Victoria for business purposes. This will ensure that essential supplies get to where they need to go during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authorised workplaces and workers include:
- port operations
- freight services (including postal and courier services)
- a transport, freight or logistics driver
- National Heavy Vehicle Regulator compliance activities
- truck stops and roadhouses
Worker permits are not required.
Members are reminded:
- To help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), stay safe by regularly washing your hands, keep at least 1.5 metres from other people, and stay home if you feel unwell.
- If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) get tested. Victorian testing sites and wait times are listed on the State’s coronavirus where to get tested
Victorian border restrictions
A border pass is required to enter Victoria from any other state. Freight drivers must complete a Specified Worker Permit under the category “Specified Worker (Low Workplace Interaction) Permit” (i.e. you should select the option “I am a specified worker with low workplace interaction”).
Queensland border restrictions
- From 1am AEST Friday 28 May 2021, all of Victoria will be considered a COVID-19 hotspot.
- Essential Freight workers who have been to a Victorian exposure site cannot enter QLD. If you haven’t been to an exposure site but are coming from Victoria you must apply for a border pass.
- Essential Freight workers can apply for a Freight and Logistics Pass (F Pass). Apply for a pass at the Queensland Government border pass webpage.
- Further information on Victorian exposure sites can be found at the Queensland Government’s border restrictions webpage.
New South Wales border restrictions
- Entry declaration permit is required if travelling from Victoria. To apply please visit the New South Wale’s entry declaration webpage.
- Essential travellers who have been to a close contact venue must contact NSW Health on 1800 943 553 to determine if they are permitted to return to NSW.
- Please carefully check the close contact venues prior to submitting your declaration permit.
South Australia border restrictions
- South Australia has updated their cross border travel requirements. Essential travellers arriving from greater Melbourne, effective immediately, will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test result not more than 7 days old or submit to COVID-19 testing in line with SA requirements. Border crossing permits are essential.
- Entry to South Australia from a Victorian place of interest is prohibited, even for essential travellers. Please carefully review the entry requirements and further information can be found at South Australia Police’s cross border travel application website.
- South Australia Police in the process of establishing border control sites effective immediately, initially in a reduced capacity at the following locations:
- 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
All people (including Essential Travellers, people genuinely relocating and SA residents) who have been to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Public Exposure Site at the specified date and time on the Government of Victoria website are subject to Level 6 restrictions and are not permitted to enter South Australia. The majority of these people should already be in 14 days quarantine in Victoria and are not permitted to leave quarantine to travel to South Australia.
Western Australian border restrictions
- From Thursday 27 May 2021, Western Australia has announced a hard border is in place for arrivals from Victoria.
- Essential freight workers will be allowed to enter WA if they have a G2G pass and can produce a negative COVID-19 test not more than 7 days old, or submit to a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of arrival and again on day 12 if remaining in WA.
- Apply for a pass at the G2G pass webpage. Further information can be found on WA’s COVID-19 travel webpage.
Tasmanian border restrictions
- From 2pm Thursday 27 May 2021, Tasmania has announced a hard border for arrivals from Victoria.
- Essential freight workers will be permitted to enter TAS with a G2G pass and will be subject to testing requirements. An essential traveller must be able to produce a negative COVID-19 test not more than 7 days old or submit to testing within 48 hours of arrival and then again on day 12 if remaining in TAS.
- Apply for a pass on the Tasmania Government’s G2G pass webpage.
- You can find more information on the Tasmanian Government’s essential travellers webpage.
Northern Territory border restrictions
- The Northern Territory border permit and COVID-19 testing requirements remain unchanged at this time.
Australian Capital Territory border restrictions
- No permit required for freight operators transiting through the ACT at this time.
The information in this member update is correct as of 9.30 a.m. on Friday 28 May 2021. Further updates will be circulated if conditions change. Links to the border permits for each state and territory can be found on NatRoad’s website here.
NatRoad communications are intended to provide commentary and general information. They should not be relied upon as legal advice. Our advisors are available to clarify any questions you have and provide the right advice for your business and workforce. Contact David at [email protected] or Richard at [email protected], or on (02) 6295 3000.
