Sites keep growing to try meet industry requirements
Additional freight industry-specific Covid-19 testing facilities have been opened in New South Wales and Queensland.
In NSW, two pop-up testing sites are opening along key regional freight routes to support the industry and keep drivers Covid-safe, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said.
A site opening in Yass tomorrow and in Ballina on Monday were in addition to the six sites already set up across the state.
“The freight industry has stepped up during the challenging Delta outbreak and the NSW government is doing all we can to keep freight moving and help drivers meet increased mandatory testing requirements across multiple jurisdictions,” Toole said.
“Having seen unprecedented demand on our existing freight testing sites over the past few months, we’re rolling out the additional two sites on parts of the network where we see a high volume of interstate freight movements.
“The new sites, which will be supported by onsite pathology staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will make it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested and get back on the road.
“We will continue working closely with industry to investigate more options for sites across the state that maximise accessibility for heavy vehicle drivers on their journeys and around key freight hubs.”
More on previous freight testing site announcements, here
Meanwhile, in Queensland, a new, dedicated heavy vehicle Covid-19 testing site opens in Goondiwindi.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the truck-only site at Caltex Goondiwindi is opening to support regional freight drivers in meeting their mandatory testing requirements.
“This is the fourth temporary site that has been set up for industry in recent weeks and will be operational seven days a week, 8am to 4pm,” Bailey said.
“The site is road train accessible, supporting livestock and agricultural industry truck drivers.
“4Cyte Pathology staff will be there to assist drivers to make it easier and faster for truckies to get tested and keep moving while keeping everyone safe.”
Three additional heavy-vehicle Covid-19 testing facilities currently operate seven days a week at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, BP Charlton and Port of Brisbane.
“Since the first facility opened on 30 July, more than 2000 truck drivers have driven through our three heavy-vehicle, driver-testing sites,” Bailey said.
“It’s been fantastic to the see the industry rapidly respond to meet the mandatory testing requirements for freight and logistics drivers coming into and working around Queensland.
“We know a lot has been asked of the industry, with frequent changes being bought in to reflect evolving health advice, so we’re grateful to them and key bodies like the Queensland Trucking Association for their resilience and patience.
“We thank all involved, especially the health professionals who are working tirelessly undertaking testing at these new sites seven days a week.
“Our strong border rules are in place to keep Queenslanders safe, but we are also trying to support the freight industry which keeps our economy moving.”
The new testing site will open from 8am Thursday 19 August at the Caltex Goondiwindi, 227 Boundary Road Goondiwindi, and will operate seven days a week, 8am to 4pm.
Meanwhile, priority vaccinations for freight in the state means drivers can now access priority Pfizer shots at Inglewood and Goondiwindi – but online bookings are essential.
The Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN and Darlings Downs Health are establishing immediate Covid-19 Pfizer vaccination hubs in Inglewood and Goondiwindi.