ALRTA News – 24 July 2020

THANK YOU TO OUR NATIONAL SPONSOR BP

The team at BP has been working to improve the online application to make it easier for you to apply for BP Plus. Apply today and start saving on fuel with our exclusive discount for ALRTA members.

To apply for a BP Plus card please click here.

Please ensure you use the code ‘ALRTA’ to receive the exclusive fuel discount.

If you have any questions on the offer, please contact commercialfuels@se1.bp.com

PARTNERSHIP DELIVERS LIVESTOCK EFFLUENT DISPOSAL POINT

A new livestock effluent disposal pit at the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLE) is now available to all livestock transporters, officially opening 10 July 2020.

HRLE Manager Paul Christopher said the project is a joint initiative of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) and Horsham Rural City Council (Council).

“The newly installed pit will provide an opportunity for transporters to dispose of accumulated livestock effluent either at the end of their journey to the saleyards, or on their way to deliver a consignment further afield,” Mr Christopher said.

“Previously, there weren’t enough locations for transporters to properly dispose of effluent along the road network.

“Together, we agreed to deliver this project to effectively provide an opportunity for livestock transporters to dispose of effluent in western Victoria.”

ALRTA President Stephen Marley, said that managing effluent in transit is a significant challenge for their members.

“Effluent capture tanks installed on purpose-built livestock trailers do a reasonable job of containment however there is a need for transporters to access suitable facilities for  disposal when tanks become full in transit and at ‘end of journey’ facilities,” Mr Marley said.

“Disposal facilities benefit the livestock supply chain and the community. They improve safety by ensuring cleaner roads and improved animal welfare outcomes and help to reduce the risk of non-compliance with biosecurity, environment and load restraint laws.

“That’s why the ALRTA is actively engaging with industry stakeholders and governments to develop a national network of effluent disposal points.

“Our association greatly appreciates the support of the livestock transport industry demonstrated by HRLE and Council by building an effluent disposal pit on their site at Horsham.”

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) CEO Sal Petroccitto said the project was funded under the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), administered by the NHVR.

“The HVSI invests in innovative projects that will make the heavy vehicle industry safer for all road users,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“This project is a great demonstration of how government and industry working together can implement sustainable, value-for-money solutions to tricky problems in the supply chain.”

NATIONAL CABINET AGREES TO DEVELOP FREIGHT BORDER CODE

National Cabinet has today agreed to establish a national freight movement protocol relating to cross-border movements and testing of freight drivers. The Prime Minister as also flagged to need to mode to an enforceable code, backed by significant enforcement effort.
 
Click on this link to read the National Freight Movement Protocols.  We can expect these to be refined as steps are taken to establish an enforceable code.
 
The protocols stipulate requirements for governments as well as the freight sector.
 
In addition to COVIDSafe workplans, heavy vehicle drivers, support workers and rail crew must now observe the following:

  • No passengers will be allowed to travel in trucks or trains unless they are freight workers, for example authorised two up teams.
  • Only exit the vehicle to access rest stop facilities, refuelling, accommodation, activities directly related to the delivery or loading of freight or to meet required regulated activities, e.g. work health and safety or fatigue management.
  • Follow all COVID-19 related instructions from employees at any premises accessed.
  • Employ or introduce non-contact receipt and collection processes for freight when possible.
  • Wash or sanitise hands at all appropriate times, but especially at entry to a premises, and prior to leaving.
  • Maintain appropriate social distancing while in any premises.
  • During freight journeys, drivers should avoid large venues/restaurants and use roadhouse facilities wherever possible.
  • Overnight stays at accommodation should occur only when necessary to fulfil fatigue requirements. Accommodation providers must apply COVIDSafe protocols and cleaning procedures to minimise risk. Truck drivers are not permitted to use common areas in accommodation premises and will adhere to physical distancing and limit contacts.
  • PPE (such as gloves, eye protection and face masks) should be used whenever physical distancing is not possible, where directed by state or territory government, the Department of Health or Safe Work Australia, or when indicated by COVIDSafe workplans.
  • If displaying symptoms of illness such as a fever, cough or sore throat do not enter a premises, advise your employer, seek medical assistance, self-isolate until you seek medical assistance and do not continue your journey.

ALRTA recommends that you read the full set of protocols so you understand the obligations now placed on all parties (including governments).

JURISDICTION BORDER CONTROLS


Victoria

Is a border pass required? – No border pass is required

  • From 11.59pm on Wednesday 22 July, there will be changes to restrictions across Victoria to help reduce the risk of the COVID-19 spreading.
  • Anyone in the Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire must wear a face mask when in public. This includes essential workers in the freight industry.
  • If a driver is travelling in a vehicle by themselves they are permitted to remove the face mask whilst in their vehicle.
  • Face covering rules in Victoria

More information for Victoria


New South Wales

Is a border pass required? Yes – if entering NSW from Victoria. Previous border entry permits expired at midnight on 21 July. All operators travelling from Victoria are required to be RE-APPLY for a COVID-19 NSW border entry permit if travelling after this date.

  • Freight drivers should apply for a border pass under the exemption category “Critical services – movement of freight or persons on a commercial basis” – Re-apply for a COVID-19 NSW border entry permit
  • The freight industry is excused from requirements to self-isolate, provided your employer has a COVID-Safe plan in place.
  • COVID-Safe plans and guidelines to assist the industry are also available to align with this additional permit – COVID-19 Safety Plan
  • It is recommended that all essential workers wear a face mask.
  • Watch our video on Guide to completing your NSW COVID-19 Safety Plan

NSW Health is urging anyone who attended the Crossroads Hotel at Casula between Friday 3 July and Friday 10 July to:

  • immediately self-isolate until 14 days after they were last there
  • attend a clinic for testing even if they have no symptoms
  • watch for symptoms and get retested should any respiratory symptoms occur
  • even if you get a negative test stay in isolation for 14 days.

More information for New South Wales


Northern Territory

Is a border pass required? Yes – if entering Northern Territory from any other state

  • Any visitors who have been in a declared coronavirus hotspot will no longer be able to gain access or quarantine in Northern Territory, unless they are in an exempt category.
  • Truck drivers moving essential, critical or urgent items are an exception to this, however they must quarantine in their truck or a hotel.
  • Any person providing services for the transport or freight of goods and related logistics into, within or out of the Territory is an exempt person for the purposes of entering the Northern Territory.
  • All exempt personnel must practise physical distancing of 1.5 metres and should limit their interactions with Territorians when not at work for the first 14 days of entering the NT.
  • Latest advice on Exemption to Quarantine
  • Anyone travelling to the Northern Territory must complete an arrival border crossing application.
  • These people must submit an application and have a letter signed by the Chief Health Officer (or their delegate) outlining the conditions under which they can enter the NT and work.
  • An application for exempt status must be completed and submitted with a copy of your Covid-19 management plan
  • Check the NT declared list of COVID-19 hotspots

More information for the Northern Territory


Queensland

Is a border pass required? Yes – if entering Queensland from any other state

More information for Queensland


South Australia

Is a border pass required? Yes – if entering South Australia from any other state

  • Victorian residents are not permitted to enter South Australia. There are exemptions for essential travellers, which includes freight, and additional conditions around self-quarantine.
  • All essential freight workers who are residents of Victoria must wear a face mask when entering South Australia and self-quarantine in their truck or other private arrangements when not undertaking work-related duties. This is not a requirement for essential freight workers who are not Victorian residents.
  • If you are travelling into South Australia, you need to complete the cross border pre-approval form at least 72 hours prior to your arrival.
  • Mandatory testing is not required for essential travellers
  • Essential travellers must also self-quarantine in South Australia when not undertaking work related duties. They may quarantine in their truck, or other private arrangement provided they are segregated from other people.

More information for South Australia


Tasmania

Is a border pass required? Yes – if entering Tasmania from any other state

  • Everyone travelling to Tasmania must complete a form. Any visitors who have spent time in Victoria in the 14 days prior to travel are not permitted to travel to Tasmania.
  • This does not apply to Essential Travellers (Specified Persons) from Victoria, who will still be able to apply to travel to Tasmania for a specified purpose. This category includes freight and logistics.
  • Any person granted Essential Traveller status who has spent time in Victoria in the 14 days prior to travel will be required to wear a face mask and limit their movement when not in the workplace.
  • As of 16 July, Tasmania has a new online travel registration system called the G2G PASS (Good to Go) for all arrivals in to the state.
  • Travel is still permitted for Essential Travellers (including freight), however you will be are required to reapply for the new G2G PASS.
  • Apply for a G2G PASS

More information for Tasmania


Western Australia

Is a border pass required? Yes – if entering Western Australia from any other state

  • All heavy vehicle drivers must apply for an exemption under the transport, freight and logistics category to enter Western Australia.
  • The quickest and simplest way to apply for an exemption is via the G2G PASS.
  • Anyone who is permitted to enter WA who has been in Victoria or NSW for the previous 14 days will be served with a notice on arrival. The notice requires them to take a COVID-19 test on day 11 of their time in Western Australia or at any point when symptoms develop.
  • All essential travellers must practice self isolation while not performing duties, keep a record of close contacts and it is recommended that all essential workers wear a face mask.
  • Apply for a G2G PASS

More information for Western Australia

Australian Capital Territory

Is a border pass required? Yes – if entering ACT from Victoria

  • Freight and logistics operators must apply for an exemption at least 48 hours (wherever possible) before your intended travel date.
  • Transiting through the ACT for the purposes of freight is also an exempted purpose under the ACT Public Health Emergency Direction issued 8 July 2020.

More information for the ACT

LRTAQ PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT APPEAR AT SENATE INQUIRY

LRTAQ President, Ian Wild, and LRTAQ Vice President, Mark Collins, have given evidence to the Senate Inquiry into the Road Transport Industry in Brisbane this week.  The Inquiry is being conducted by the Australian Senate’s Rural Regional Affairs and Transport Committee.

ALRTA has tendered a formal submission to the Inquiry containing 15 recommendations for improving the viability, safety, sustainability and efficiency of the road transport industry. The ALRTA submission can be accessed here

SKILLING UP FOR COVID RECOVERY

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on employment, required workplace skills and the nature of jobs of many Australian employees and workers.
 
Deakin University is seeking your input on how new skills should be provided, funded and acquired more quickly to ensure all Australians can participate and benefit from Australia’s successful business recovery during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Specifically, the researchers want to know:

  • The technical and generic skills you or your team members need, or need more of, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The optimal ways to address these skills needs in the next 12 months, including innovative approaches and possible government support packages.

 Rural and regional transport businesses are providing an essential service to all Australians during the pandemic. Please take 10 minutes to governments and education providers what extra education and training you need in the next twelve months, and how, when and where that should be offered to get the economy, industry and workers back on their feet!
 
Take the survey here.

SUPPLEMENTARY WORK DIARY NOTIFICATION NOW PERMANENT

The supplementary record notification feature added to the NHVR website as a response to the coronavirus pandemic will be retained as a permanent feature.

Principal Safety Assurance Advisor Andreas Blahous said the NHVR initially implemented the work diary supplementary record exemption from April 1 – 30 June.

“The exemption allowed drivers 30 days instead of the usual seven to use supplementary records if they were unable to purchase a new work diary due to travel restrictions,” Mr Blahous said.

“We saw more than 100 drivers take advantage of the exemption using the website, introducing some flexibility at a very stressful time.

“While the maximum allowable time for supplementary records has reverted to seven days, we will be retaining the feature on the website allowing drivers to quickly and easily report that they are using a supplementary work diary.”

To report use of a supplementary work diary head to the NHVR contact page and fill in the short form.

NEW VERSION LPA AND NVD

New versions of Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) National Vendor Declarations (NVDs) (0720) are now available for all species.

Current versions can continue to be used until 31 December 2020 and new versions only from 1 January 2021.

Click here to check out a helpful YouTube video from Intergrity Systems Company on how to create LPA NVD’s using the eNVD platform, log in using your PIC, LPA username and password.

‘STAND BY WHAT YOU SELL’ – FREE WEBINAR FOR TRANSPORTERS

Transporters will be offered practical insights to help the livestock industry stand by what it sells at a free webinar next week.

The Stand By What You Sell Webinar for transporters is hosted by Integrity Systems Company and supported by the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association.

The webinar will help transporters ensure they have the right information, with discussion covering:

  • How the integrity system fits within compliance requirements, such as work, health and safety; management of fatigue, effluent and curfew; as well as fit to load requirements.
  • Changes to National Vendor Declarations
  • Waybill compliance … do you need a physical or hard copy?
  • What does the faster, easier new eNVD platform mean for transporters?
  • The back up plan when customers are in areas without mobile phone service 
  • Will hard copy waybills still be required in some jurisdictions?
  • Must individual drivers sign the NVD or can they sign the transport company name 
  • The format of date and time off feed and/or water
  • Q&A with the Integrity Systems Company team. 

It will be held next Monday 27 July 2020 1:00 – 2:00 pm (AEST).   

Download a webinar flyer

REGISTER HERE for the webinar.   

TRUCKIES TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and its member associations have called on truck drivers to take a proactive approach to protecting themselves and the community to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the heavy vehicle industry continued to play a critical role in supporting the national economy, with the continued spread of the virus reinforcing the importance of everyone playing a role in reducing transmission.

“While wearing a mask is not compulsory in all cases when crossing state borders, health authorities have highlighted the benefits of essential workers wearing a mask, with Queensland’s Chief Health Officer also encouraging freight and logistics operators to implement regular testing protocols,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“We believe it is an important way to reduce risk and reassure the community that the industry is doing the right thing.”

ATA CEO Ben Maguire said that while the industry had more than proven its worth through both the bushfires and ongoing pandemic, it was still important for drivers to lead by example in protecting themselves and the community.

“While the exemptions given to freight movement have been vital to ensuring goods and services are available across the country, it is also important to recognise that we have a responsibility to do what we can to reduce risk,” Mr Maguire said.

“ATA member associations have gone to extraordinary lengths to advocate on behalf of their members, as well as providing information and COVID-19 training.

“For example, QTA CEO Gary Mahon has worked directly with the Queensland Chief Health Officer to achieve practical results that keep the freight moving while also protecting the community.”

For up to date information on border restrictions specific to the transport of freight and logistics, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus.

For the QTA’s COVID-19 Safety Guidelines, visit www.qta.com.au/COVID19/8888215.

FRIDAY FUNNY

A senior citizen called her husband during his drive home.

“Arthur, I just heard on the news that there’s a car going the wrong way on the Warrego Highway. Please be careful!”

Arthur replied, “It’s not just one car. There’s hundreds of them!”

ALRTA STAFF AVAILABILITY AMIDST COVID19

From 24 March 2020 the ALRTA staff – Mathew, Sue, Colleen and Jack have been working from home amidst COVID-19. We are gradually coming back into the office with only one staff member present at a time.

Please email office@alrta.org.au or call Colleen on the ALRTA mobile 0490 515 681 or Mathew (ED) on 0421 082 489.

UPDATE ON EVENTS FOR 2020

LRTAQ (QLD) on 19-21 March 2020 at Roma QLD. – CANCELLED for 2020
LTAT (TAS) on 2 May 2020 in Hobart TAS. – POSTPONED
LRTASA (SA)on 12-13 June 2020 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre SA. – CANCELLED for 2020
LRTAWA/ALRTA (WA & National) on 24-25 July 2020. Perth WA.- CANCELLED for 2020
LRTAV (VIC) on 14-15 August 2020 at All Seasons Resort Bendigo VIC – CANCELLED for 2020