State logistic and freight industries are ensuring supply chains stay supported during the Easter peak period.
The Victorian Government has moved to stage 3 restrictions, however Freight, logistics and home delivery are not included allowing the flow of goods and materials.
There are no restrictions on the movement of freight between New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT.
While border restrictions are in place in Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory, these closures do not apply to road and rail freight.
The Victorian Department of Transport said in an update that due to reduced traffic on the road network, the Victorian Government is working with the NHVR to relax travel time restrictions during school and Easter holidays for Class 1 oversize and over mass combinations operating on state roads.
The Victorian Government has issued a Special Gazette (under the Road Safety Act 1986), allowing the delivery of food items or personal hygiene products at any time of the day to premises where the public may purchase those goods.
Currently under the new planning rules, 24-hour dispatch and delivery is allowed and essential businesses are exempt from noise restrictions during the current State of Emergency and for three months after.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) said in a freight industry update earlier this week that it is supporting all parts of the supply chain within NSW and across borders to ensure goods and services get to where they are needed most, including supermarkets and hospitals.
This includes working with the community and with each other to look after the safety of workers contributing to the continued operation of freight services.
TfNSW has established a dedicated Coronavirus Taskforce which is addressing issues as they occur across the network, coordinating with the whole of Government response to Coronavirus.
“Be assured that together with NSW Government, other state jurisdictions and the Australian Government, we are working to ease the burden and support the critical services you provide,” TfNSW said.
Cameron Dick, Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning said the Queensland Government understands the pressure on industry and business, especially freight companies, stemming from this crisis.
“We’re committed to working with industry on practical and pragmatic approaches and solutions to keep supply chains moving,” he said.
“We don’t want to prevent trade and commerce, however, we are minimising the risks for Queensland industry, business and communities.”
Across in Western Australia, Western Roads Federation, Northern Territory Road Transport Association and the Freight and Logistics Council of WA (FLCWA) have joined forces to form the WA Supply Chain Covid Response Group.