Queensland is opening a new heavy-vehicle driver COVID-19 temporary testing facility to support the freight and supply chain industry.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the new testing site was located at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Melaleuca Drive, Boondall and would be open seven days a week from 8am to 4pm.
“My department has been working closely with ASM Global, operators of the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and 4Cyte Pathology to launch this truck-only COVID-19 testing site,” Bailey said.
“I thank all involved for their commitment, support and rapid response,” he said.
He continue to thank the Queensland Trucking Association and South East Queensland Hauliers for working with Transport and Main Roads to trial site access and arrangements for heavy vehicles to A-Doubles.
“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,” he said.
The new Brisbane Entertainment Centre location would make a total of three dedicated heavy vehicle drive-through COVID-19 testing facilities, that were open and testing daily.
“We expect to have a fourth truck only site coming soon,” he said.
Mandatory testing requirements started on 30 July, with heavy vehicle drivers who entered a declared COVID-19 hotspot or affected area being required to meet testing regimes under the QLD Freight Protocol.
Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government had rapidly responded to support the mandatory testing regime for freight and logistics drivers coming into and working around Queensland.
“Testing will help to keep our essential drivers, their families and the community safe from the spread of COVID-19, mandatory testing continues to be vital to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” he said.
“The Palaszczuk Government continues to work with industry to ensure supply chains remain strong, ensuring that freight operators transporting perishable products and livestock can keep supplies flowing across our borders,” he concluded.
Source: Minister for Transport and Main Roads media release