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25.01.2022 SA COVID Testing Facilities and locations; The following website provides existing testing locations and times / appointment arrangements etc - https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//covid-19+clinics+and+testi
25.01.2022 SARTA Welcomes SafeT360, the ATA’ industry Safety Display trailer, to Adelaide for the Careers Expo on 16 and 17 October this week. Its a brilliant interactive road safety platform that is designed and equiped to spread the message about Sharing The Road Safely with Trucks. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=745830889608890
25.01.2022 COVID VIC/SA Border Restrictions UPDATE as of 25 May 2021. HV Essential Travellers Banned from entering SA from 6.17pm Wednesday 25th May IF they have Been in any of the VICTORIAN Exposure Sites within the time periods listed by Vic The new Vic restrictions apply to anybody who has been in the Victorian Exposure Sites during the periods specified by Victoria impose: 1. Level 4 requirements apply to HV Essential Travellers who have been in the Restricted Zone B locations liste...d at the Vic website below at any time in the 14 days prior to 25 May; and 2. Level 6 requirements, BANNING Entry to SA, even for HV Essential Travellers who have been in any of the Restricted Zone A EXPOSURE SITES listed in the Vic Website below at any time in the 14 days prior to 25 May https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites HV Driver Essential Travellers who have been to the listed VIC Restricted sites within the specified periods CAN apply to SA Health for an Exemption at this link: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au//essential-traveller-health But there is a quarantine distinction between Category 2 (residents of Restricted VIC sites) and Category 1 (not residents of the restricted VIC sites) who entered SA PRIOR to 12.23 pm Wednesday 12 May, as set out below. Level 4 Requirements (if you’ve been in Restricted Zone B but NOT Zone A in the 14 days prior to 25th May) o SELF - QUARANTINE (for 14 days after arrival): Category 1 (NOT normally a resident of the VIC Restricted sites) DO NOT have to self-quarantine BUT MUST NOT enter a High Risk setting in SA for 14 days after arrival: Category 2 (ARE normally a resident of VIC restricted sites) Do NOT have to self-quarantine while performing your duties or travelling to or from them. SO ET HV drivers who live in the VIC Restricted Sites during the specified periods must self-quarantine whilst resting in at their destination in SA o Must submit to a COVID-19 test within 24 hrs of arrival then again on days 5 and 13 AFTER the day or arrival (unless you have evidence of a COVID test/result within the last 7 days). o Must wear a mask (covering mouth and nose) anytime they come into contact with the public for 14 days after arrival. See more
25.01.2022 The full Text of the Federal and State Media Release re SARTA's new world class HV Simulator launched today follows: VIRTUAL REALITY MEETS ROAD SAFETY IN HEAVY VEHICLE SIMULATOR Heavy vehicle operators will soon drive trucks down the South Eastern Freeway in a new state-of-the-art training simulator designed to improve road safety in South Australia....Continue reading
24.01.2022 COVID Testing DROPPED for Truck Drivers in SA. From the SApol Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SouthAustraliaPolice/posts/3562829217127728
24.01.2022 COVID NEW SA Direction (nos 24) issued Saturday 19 Dec. The Direction has been updated in response to developments in NSW. The two key changes are: 1. Restrictions re Prohibited Locations and High Community Transmission Zones now APPLY to anybody who has been in those areas since THE RELEVANT DATE which is the date published on the SAHealth Website at the below link....Continue reading
24.01.2022 COVID Testing FORMALLY Dropped under New Stay At Home Order Issued Late Last Night SARTA has pressed SAPOl SAHealth and the Government hard to resolve the SA COVID Testing dilemma after the testing stations at the border were withdrawn on Tuesday and Wednesday but the Cross Border Travel Direction still required testing every 7 days. We were told it would be fixed and late last night it was. ... The new Stay at Home Order, available at the link below, makes clear that HV DRIVERS: 1. DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE COVID TESTS AND 2. DO NOT HAVE TO BE ABLE TO PRODUCE EVIDENCE OF A TEST https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergency-decla/stay-at-home THIS ONLY REFERS TO THE SA REQUIREMENTS. Drivers still need to comply with any testing requirements in other states. MAKE SURE YOUR DRIVERS HAVE THIS INFORMATION AND A COPY IF POSSIBLE in case they come across Police who do NOT know about these changes. The new Stay At Home Order Nos 2 states: Part 4Other matters 12Testing of commercial transport and freight operators Despite the Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel No 18) (COVID-19) Direction 2020, an essential traveller under Schedule 1 clause 3 or Schedule 2 clause 4 of that Direction is not required to produce to an authorised officer (on request) evidence of a COVID-19 test, or a COVID-19 test result, relating to a test undertaken by the person within the preceding 7 days (and is not otherwise required to submit to a COVID-19 test under that Direction). It also says a spouse or domestic partner can transport an Essential Worker to work 9Leaving homeessential workers (1) A person may leave home for the purpose of undertaking duties as an essential worker. (2) An essential worker may be transported by private vehicle to and from their place of work by their spouse or domestic partner, or a parent, if the person providing the transport travels by the most direct and practicable route to and from the place of work. This new Stay At Home Order Nos 2 OVER-RIDES the current Cross Border Travel Direction Nos 18, which has not been altered, as the Stay at Home Order states: 3Application (1) Subject to this clause, this direction applies in addition to any other direction under the Emergency Management Act 2004. (2) If a provision of this direction is inconsistent with a provision of another direction that applies to persons generally throughout the State, the provision of this direction prevails to the extent of the inconsistency. In other words because this Stay at Home Order says HV drivers do NOT have to be tested, that replaces the requirement under the Cross Border Travel Direction.
23.01.2022 CAUTION: re COVID Border Controls Info. Some of the info on websites, including official government websites such as SAPol and others can be misleading or confusing. The info summarising the SA Direction No 10 for example on SAPol's site is generalised and simplified to give you the basic idea and its aimed at everyone, not just truck driver Essential Travellers. ... YOU NEED TO Refer to the actual Cross Border Direction No 10 (link below) for the full facts and you need to read ALL of that and consider every clause. You can NOT pick and choose particular clauses and rely purely on them without reading and understanding the entire document, as you will come unstuck. This is the way law and legislation works; every clause must be read in the context of every other clause. Its complicated and we have seen many comments from people 'stating' that clause x says this so that's that. Well it usually isn't and its not what bush lawyers think, it's what the uniforms with the whistle and the Courts think that matters. LOGIC and Plain English literal reading have nothing to do with it folks. We wouldn't need lawyers if it was that simple. This is why SARTA goes to the effort of providing detailed guidance to our fee-paying members directly, and to a lesser extent to the broader industry on this Facebook page. A good example of this is Clause 6 (passing through) in Schedule 2 of the Direction. if you read that on its own you might think you can legally driver a truck from Sydney through SA to Perth and be exempt from the testing requirement ...... YOU WOULD BE WRONG AND EXPOSED TO SUBSTANTIAL FINES. The Passing Through Clause 6 in Schedule 2 does NOT apply to HV Essential Travellers. You can choose to ignore the guidance we provide on this Facebook page but we dont have the time to waste entering into debates. We check our information and guidance with the authorities. https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au//Emergency-Management-Cross
23.01.2022 URGENT 6 DAY COVID LOCKDOWN for ALL of SA. PLEASE READ THIS IN FULL. PLEASE DO NOT call SARTA for details re impacts on trucking ...Continue reading
23.01.2022 VIC Border Entry Permit System finally launched. COVID Testing in Vic is VOLUNTARY. The Vic Border Cross Permit Page is here, such as it is!:... https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/south-australian-border- It is brilliantly vague to say the least. It seems the permits are once off, at least for Border Communities. It is stunningly silent in relation to HV drivers. The only bans are for those who have being in the RED Zones (the Adelaide Hot spot locations). Go to the Link to see the details. It refers to exemption but best I can tell that only applies to emergency services and those crossing to receive emergency care.
22.01.2022 This is the Channel 10 News Story on the launch of SARTA's HVSimulator on 30 October 2020.
22.01.2022 All HV Drivers and Operators URGED to be COVID Safe, despite the dropping of the mandatory testing for truck drivers in SA. WEAR Masks outside of the Truck; Socially Distance ... Stay home when not doing Essential Services Work. You MAY still need to be tested to meet requirements in other states, so check what is required. DO NOT THUMB YOUR NOSE at doing this stuff or we could all get shut down.
22.01.2022 VICTORIAN Lockdown Implications for HV operators: The Victorian Govt has fixed their Workers Permit Site Page which you can now access here: https://www.vic.gov.au/worker-permit-scheme ... It includes the link to the Worker Permit form The VTA has advised SARTA that: All interstate HV drivers coming into a Stage 4 Restricted area WILL NEED a Victorian Covid Safe Plan and a Permitted Workers Permit.
21.01.2022 Channel 7 News Adelaide ran this story tonight on HV drivers' access to COVID Testing, following interviews with SARTA and a number of truck drivers. SARTA discussed the issue with Premier Marshall today following our good meeting yesterday with 4 very senior SAHealth and SAPathology officials. We are continuing to work with the Government to improve HV drivers' access to testing facilities without impacting their fatigue management or work schedules. We have stressed the ne...ed for a HV friendly facility at Bordertown and elsewhere, operating overnight if not 24hrs. SAPathology had a facility operating again today at Bordertown. The increased hrs of operation of the facilities at Yamba and Port Augusta are a welcome step in the right direction. So hang in there folks, we are working hard to sort this for you. We have to be realistic however that test facilities can not be everywhere. Its also time that the Victorian government acknowleged that VICTORIA and its community benefit from and even depend upon, the HV freight movements between Vic and SA as much as SA does and so they should play their part and test Essential Traveller HV drivers in Vic even if they dont have symptoms. We know they are under pressure with their own testing regime but they shouldnt shirk this responsibility when they are a beneficiary. If they dont have the resources, then why not call in the army to do the testing, as all governments should do if the resources are inadequate? See more
21.01.2022 SARTA Welcomes night time Operating Hrs for Tailem Bend COVID Testing Station. SARTA has pushed hard for expanded COVID Testing hours to help HV drivers access the FREE COVID Testing service, and today the SA Government has announced that FROM TONIGHT 15th September, Tailem Bend will operate from Midnight to 4pm 7 Days a week. ... The Government Announcement details are as follows: Tailem Bend COVID-19 Testing Site - Extended Operating Hours from Midnight Tonight SA Pathology’s mobile collection service at Tailem Bend is expanding its operations to provide free COVID-19 from midnight tonight, Tuesday 15 September 2020. The new shift will expand the operating times of the site to be from 12 midnight to 4:00pm, 7 days a week. SA Pathology’s Tailem Bend Testing Service is Located at: Caltex Tailem Bend Roadhouse 8786 Princes Hwy, Tailem Bend SA 5260 00.00am to 4.00pm 7 days a week (as from midnight Tuesday 15 September) No booking or appointment with a GP is required to access this service View more information as SA Pathology’s website here.
21.01.2022 SARTA REGIONAL MEETINGS - RIVERLAND & SOUTH EAST - REGISTER NOW! Following a very successful Pt Lincoln Meeting, we invite operators from the Riverland and South East regions to register for the SARTA Regional Meeting taking place in your area over the coming weeks. SARTA Regional Meetings are FREE to attend, and we welcome both Members and Non-Members to come along.... Afternoon Tea to be Provided. To register your attendance, you can call or email the SARTA Office, or simply follow the link below and enter your details: RIVERLAND MEETING REGISTRATION HERE: https://reg.eventgate.com.au//SARTA-REGIONAL-MEETINGS---RE Tuesday 6th October 1pm to 5pm The Renmark Club 160 Murray Street, Renmark SOUTH EAST MEETING REGISTRATION HERE: https://reg.eventgate.com.au//SARTA-REGIONAL-MEETINGS---MO Tuesday 27th October 1pm to 5pm East Gambier Sportsmen’s Club McDonald Pk, Jubilee Hwy, East Mount Gambier
21.01.2022 NEW SA Border Travel Direction No 9 issued today, takes effect 1 minute past Midnight Sunday Morning 19th July There are NO changes for trucking and the new TESTING requirements and fines for not taking a test do NOT apply to Trucking Essential Travellers. SARTA has worked closely and consistently with the Premier and SAPol including when they were considering further restrictions due to the Casula Cluster at the Crossroads Hotel, Western Sydney. Our arguments that no change...s were needed re trucking were accepted. ONE Thing we have sought clarification on is the application of Clause 8(1) requiring face masks this MAY mean that Vic Resident HV drivers must wear masks when not in quarantine and not in their truck . The requirement (for Vic HV ETs only) is to wear them when in contact with the public There is no definition, still, of 'PUBLIC' but from discussions with SAPol and SAHealth this week we expected the new direction to make clear that VIC Resident HV drivers must wear a mask in SA when not in their truck and not in quarantine. Clearly it would be wise for Vic resident HV drivers, ie who fall under Schedule 2 of the Direction and who must quarantine in SA when not working, to also wear face masks at all times, including when visiting depots and customers premises.
20.01.2022 SA COVID Entry Restrictions Re-introduced: Due the rapidly expanding Cluster in North Sydney, SAPol have issued a new Cross Border Direction, Nos 23, which will soon be published. SARTA has been provided with a signed copy by SAPol to facilitate the earliest advice to the industry. This reflects our very close working relationship with SAPol and the State Government on the COVID Crisis.... The new Direction Nos 23: 1. reimposes the requirement for Entry Permits FOR ALL people entering and re-entering SA 2. introduces two NEW categories of points or origin outside of SA: a. a Prohibited Location: a site in NSW that is designated as a Prohibited Location on a Website published by SA Health (this enables them to alter that list without altering the Direction every time) b. a HIGH Community Transmission Zone: a Local Government Area in NSW that is designated as a High Community Transmission Zone on a Website published by SA Health; See this link: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//contact+tr/contact+tracing 3. NOTE: the REST of NSW is still classed as LOW Community Transmission Zone 4. YOU ARE NOT a LOW Community Transmission Zone Arrival IF YOU have been in a Prohibited Location or a HIGH Community Transmission zone at ANY time SINCE 11 December 5. Quarantine and Isolation Requirements: If at any time since 11 December you have been in: a. Prohibited Location you must reside in a MEDI-Hotel (as directed by officers) for 14 days AFTER the day of arrival i. NOTE: this is meant to cover drivers who were en-route when this Direction came out. Anyone in a Prohibited Location should already have complied with isolation orders in NSW b. High Community Transmission Zone . You must self-quarantine for 14 days after the day of arrival as per Schedule 2 of the Direction 6. COVID Testing Requirements for Essential Travellers: If at any time since 11 December you have been in a Prohibited Location OR a HIGH Community Transmission Zone you must be COVID Tested: a. Within 24 hrs of arrival b. On the 5th day after arrival and c. On the 12th day after arrival UNLESS you can produce proof of a COVID test OR Test result within the past 7 days IF asked by an Authorised Officer. 7. FACE MASKS: are NOT required by Commercial Transport and Freight Essential Travellers
20.01.2022 SEVERE Weather Warning for EYRE HIGHWAY: SARTA has been advised of the following from our Western Roads Forum Counterparts: I have received the following direct warning from DFES.... A low pressure system will impact the Eyre Highway between Eucla and the Cocklebiddy Roadhouse, from approximately 1700 hrs 16 September 2020 until around 0500 hrs 18 September 2020. The peak of the wind impact will be between 1100 hrs and 2000 hrs Thursday 17 September 2020. Strong southerly surface winds with sustained speeds average speeds of up to 50 km/h are forecast with gusts up to 70 km/h to 90 km/h are also possible. Elevated winds may still occur after the peak. The BoM may issue a severe weather warning, regardless of whether they do no not, actual conditions will be near to those stated above.
20.01.2022 Major Developing COVID Threat re Casula NSW: SARTA has been advised by the QTA as follows this afternoon that: The Queensland Chief Health Officer has advised QTA of a major developing COVID threat for anyone who has visited Casula in New South Wales between the 3rd and 10th July and in particular the Crossroads Hotel.... The Crossroad Hotel is a popular pub on the Hume Highway in South West Sydney and is a stop for many tourist and truck drivers travelling between Victoria, NSW and Qld. As this is a second generation COVID spread, the Qld Chief Health Officer is asking anyone who fits this criteria and was in the Casula area between the dates in question to immediately quarantine and get tested for COVID. Once QTA has received additional information on this threat we will advise
19.01.2022 NOTE: SARTA is seeking urgent clarification from SAPol whether or not Essential Travers are exempt from the Restriction on people entering SA from Greater Sydney .... see our previous post.
19.01.2022 SARTA HVSimulator Launch Channel 10 Story 30 October 2020. https://fb.watch/1tCRfsOTvG/
19.01.2022 An update on Essential Worker drive-through testing facilities in SA, including a new facility opened at Port August today. SARTA has been seeking better COVID testing facilities and opening times in SA and we welcome the following advice from SAHealth late this afternoon as follows: SA Pathology’s mobile collection services provides free COVID-19 testing for interstate truck drivers and interstate travellers requiring swabs. No booking required.... Port Augusta - Puma Port Augusta Truckstop, National Highway 1 (8.00am 11.00pm, 7 days) Tailem Bend - Tasco Caltex Tailem Bend Roadhouse, 8786 Princes Highway (8.00am 4.00pm, 7 days) Yamba - Yamba Quarantine Station, National Highway A20 (7.00am 9.00pm, 7 days) Please note the opening hours of certain sites may be extended. We’ll update the website when this occurs. NOTE: SARTA is due to meet with senior SAHealth officials to discuss details of the implementation of the Cross Border Freight Movement Code agreed by the National Cabinet last Friday.
18.01.2022 Watch This Space for Exciting News of Major SARTA Projects SARTA has worked hard for the industry for a long time, since way back to 1908 in fact when the B-Doubles of the day were Double Bullock teams pulling a cart and we will shortly announce a couple of major initiatives, so watch this space. We have a very strong base within the industry and when we speak, Governments and agencies at the Local, State and National levels listen because they know that we, SARTA, are a cre...dible and genuine representative of truck operators of all sizes, from one to hundreds of trucks, across all sectors of the industry and all regions of the state. There is no stronger voice for the industry and we work closely with the other credible established trucking industry bodies. Those who actually know and understand how the real world works, and just what is actually involved in getting the outcomes that operators, small and large, and the industry as a whole needs, know that its not just a simple matter of talking loudly or thumping tables (neither of which actually work very well at all, except to make the aggressor feel good . for a few minutes until they discover it backfired). This is never more true than now, a time when we are entering a critical stage in the very long-running effort to improve the HVNLaw. We have all known about the problems with the HVNL, from the start and with a lot of hard yards we, the established Industry Bodies in each state and territory and nationally, have collectively and very effectively secured many improvements to both the law and to its operation and enforcement. Right now, as we work through the consultation phase of the HVNLaw Review, the industry’s input to the review is vital. It is especially important, if we are to get what is truly needed for drivers, owner-operators and small and large fleets, that the input is well-informed, carefully considered and skilfully argued and presented. This takes long and proven experience in effective government lobbying. That is the core business of SARTA and we excel at it; the list of our achievements puts that well beyond contention. So for those not currently involved as members, we encourage you to get with the strength of the proven performers. See more
18.01.2022 SARTA Launches $550,000 HV Simulator Project at Media Conference with Minister for Road Safety, Vincent Tarzia today. The world-class HVSim developed by Adelaide based SYDAC has been funded by the Federal and State governments with $350,000 under the NHVR's Safety Initiatives Scheme and $100,000 from the SA Government plus another $100,000 from SARTA and the Livestock and Rural TransportersSA, in a project developed and implemented by SARTA. As Minister Tarzia said at the l...aunch, its better that drivers learn, adapt and overcome skills challenges in the HVSim rarther than out on the road, because if they crash the HVSim nobody gets hurt. SARTA President Sharon Middleton said "This HVSim project will be the first in the country used by the industry for training on specific high-risk routes, including the SE Freeway as well as other problematic routes in SA and interstate. The HVSim will enable us to conduct training of Heavy Vehicle (HV) drivers in Defensive Driving, avoiding rollovers on sharp bends, and in improving skills in areas such as reversing trucks with multiple trailers, SARTA will also use the simulator in work with academic institutions to undertake research in critical areas such as fatigue management. We welcome the commitment of the Federal and SA Governments to this important and innovative safety project which we could not undertake without their combined $450,000 in grants. The industry has committed a further $100,000 to the project to fund additional simulations and a purpose-built trailer to enable us to take make the HVSim available to drivers and operators around the state and interstate. SARTA and our industry have always been committed to safety, for all road users as well as our HV drivers and this exciting project will play a key role in advancing that objective. SARTA Board Member, Barry Jungfer had his first go in it demonstrating the HVSim for the media today and when asked by the media how realistic it is he said "it really is like driving a truck". We even threw a curve ball at Barry with an unexpected parked up truck around one of the SE Freeway bends causing him to take rapid evasive action. The purpose-built trailer being manufactured by Aldom will enable us to take the HVSim around the state and even interstate. SARTA will soon announce details of how drivers and operators can access time on the HVSim.
18.01.2022 SAPol Clarifies Latest Restrictions in New COVID Direction 25. issued Sunday 20th Dec 11.49pm. (Note the exemptions for Essential Travellers from MOST requirements as listed below ) 1. Entry Permits are required to enter SA 2. Entry is PROHIBITED for anyone (INCLUDING Essential Travellers) who have been in the Sydney’s Northern Beaches LGA since 11 December. ... NOTE: Anyone identified already in SA who has visited the Northern Beaches LGA since this date will already be in quarantine. 3. Anyone entering SA who has been in the Greater Sydney Region (excluding the Northern Beaches Council local government area), Wollongong LGA or Central Coast LGA MUST: a. Quarantine in a suitable place, (for 14 days AFTER the date of arrival). A suitable place requires complete separation from others in the household and if this is not available, hotel quarantine will be arranged b. Have a COVID-19 test on days one, five and 12, whilst still in SA i. NOTE: Essential Travellers are exempt from this testing requirement if they can show an officer evidence of a test or test result that it no more than 7 days old, 4. Anyone else entering SA from NSW ( including anyone who has entered SA from NSW in the previous three days) MUST: a. Have a COVID-19 test within 24 hours. i. NOTE: Essential Travellers are exempt from this testing requirement if they can show an officer evidence of a test or test result that it no more than 7 days old, b. These people are not required to quarantine, however they must: i. monitor for symptoms, and ii. self-isolate and seek another test if they begin to feel unwell. 5. FACE MASKS: are NOT required by Commercial Transport and Freight Essential Travellers 6. two NEW categories of points or origin outside of SA: a. a Prohibited Location: a site in NSW that is designated as a Prohibited Location on a Website published by SA Health (this enables them to alter that list without altering the Direction every time) b. a HIGH Community Transmission Zone: a Local Government Area in NSW that is designated as a High Community Transmission Zone on a Website published by SA Health; See this link: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//contact+tr/contact+tracing
18.01.2022 The Following has just been provided by our colleagues in the Queensland Trucking Association. QLD-New COVID-19 Testing Location - bp Charlton Darling Downs Health have announced another drive-in testing station open from 12noon today, Saturday 8 August.... Location: BP Westbound Truckstop at Charlton just west of Toowoomba. Signage will be in place to show drivers where to enter and exit the test site. Hours of Operation: From 12noon today, then 8.30-4.00pm 7 days a week. 12.00pm today. Will drivers have to exit their vehicles? NO, testing process should take approx 15 minutes. Options for Testing Drivers will be given a self-collection kit so they can collect a swab themselves with the help and supervision of Darling Downs Health staff, or if they’d prefer a Darling Downs Health nurse can collect the swab for them. Voluntary testing recommended 7 day testing is still voluntary however we strongly recommend that drivers/transport support workers entering in Queensland from hotspots commence the process as soon as possible. For the latest from Queensland Health please visit www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus or for more Darling Downs Health COVID-19 information, our hotline is available 8am-5pm Monday to Friday phone 1800 490 468. QLD BORDER PASS DECLARATION APPLICATION - NEW PASS NOW LIVE The new Border Pass Application upload was delayed yesterday and went live last night. The S Pass will still be accepted, however it is recommended to apply for the new F pass as soon as able. Link to the New Transport and Logistics Pass: https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass/freight-and-logistics
18.01.2022 28 May 7.45 PM UPDATE COVID VIC/SA Border Restrictions UPDATE as of 7.45pm 28 May 2021 Last night SA changed its Border Controls again, as the Vics broadened their Restricted zones. There are still two Restricted Zone, A and B and the places included are listed on the Vic website at this link: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites The new rules for Essential Traveller HV drivers entering from Vic depend upon;... a) Whether you were in Zone A or Zone B during the period list at the above site; b) Whether you arrived in SA BEFORE of AFTER 7.45 pm Friday 28th If you arrived After 7pm on 26th May AND BEFORE 7.45pm on 28th May and: a) were in Restricted Zone B on or after 22nd May LEVEL 3 applies; If you arrived AFTER 7.45pm on 28th and: a) were in Restricted Zone A LEVEL 4 applies; LEVEL 4 Requirements are: o SELF - QUARANTINE (for 14 days after arrival): Category 1 (NOT normally a resident of the VIC Restricted sites) DO NOT have to self-quarantine BUT MUST NOT enter a High Risk setting in SA for 14 days after arrival: Category 2 (ARE normally a resident of VIC restricted sites) Do NOT have to self-quarantine while performing your duties or travelling to or from them. SO ET HV drivers who live in the VIC Restricted Sites during the specified periods must self-quarantine whilst resting in at their destination in SA o Must submit to a COVID-19 test within 24 hrs of arrival then again on days 5 and 13 AFTER the day or arrival (unless you have evidence of a COVID test/result within the last 7 days). o Must wear a mask (covering mouth and nose) anytime they come into contact with the public for 14 days after arrival. LEVEL 3 Requirements are: COVID-19 testing: Person must submit to COVID-19 testing within 24 hours after their arrival in South Australia; and on the 5th day after their arrival in South Australia; and on the 13th day after their arrival in South Australia Quarantine until negative test: Person must comply with the self-quarantine requirements under clause 10 until they get a negative COVID-19 test result No entry to high risk setting: Person must not enter or remain in a high risk setting in South Australia for a period of 14 days after their arrival in South Australia unless the person is permitted to enter in accordance with clause 9 No entry to CMP events: Person must not attend any event in South Australia with an approved COVID Management Plan or at which more than 1000 people are present for a period of 14 days after their arrival in South Australia HV Driver Essential Travellers who have been to the listed VIC Restricted sites within the specified periods CAN apply to SA Health for an Exemption at this link: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au//essential-traveller-health
17.01.2022 In response to Robert Gottliebsen’s anti-trucking article in the Australian today, Steve Shearer made this comment online: Well this article is both a surprise and a disappointment. A surprise because I had no idea that Robert Gottliebsen was an alarmist and disappointing because of the clear flaws in his ‘argument’. Evidently he see’s, or imagines, anti-rail forces, to which he referred four times, under the bed. If he seriously thinks that the very wealthy and extensively... resourced rail lobby is incapable of mounting its case, then he hasn’t been paying attention for the past 30 years. The trucking industry is not anti-rail unlike the rail sector which is very much anti-trucking. Indeed he seems to have swallowed the rail lobby’s fallacious claim that they are penalised whilst trucking gets a free ride. Perhaps better research would have revealed to him that the National Transport Commission, which covers road and rail freight, advised the Transport Ministers’ Ministerial Council in recent years that the trucking industry more than pays its way, for its wear and impact on the roads, under the existing charges regime and in fact that the trucking industry was being over charged by those taxes; causing the NTC to recommend to Ministers that they cease over charging the trucking industry, something which Ministers declined to accept. The article is also disappointing in that it misleads ill-informed readers by perpetuating the myth that rail and road freight are direct competitors for all freight and that all freight can and should go by rail. The reality is actually very different. Rail is brilliant at bulk long haul freight FROM A SINGLE POINT OF ORIGIN TO A SINGLE DESTINATION. Trucking handles freight from countless thousands of points of origin to countless destinations. The truck industry is mature enough to understand and accept that all modes of freight movement are needed and they need to work in unison to deliver the overall freight task. A more measured article would have put the lack of adequate rail funding in that context. See more
17.01.2022 SARTA REGIONAL MEETING - PT LINCOLN - TUES 8 SEPT 2020 SARTA will be holding a number of regional meetings over the coming weeks, with the first kicking off in Port Lincoln on Tuesday 8th September 2020, 10:00am to 3:00pm at the Port Lincoln Hotel. SARTA Regional Meetings are FREE to attend, and we welcome both Members and Non-Members to come along.... Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided. Registration for the Port Lincoln Meeting is now open. JUST A WEEK AWAY! register your attendance TODAY! - simply follow the link below and enter your details: https://reg.eventgate.com.au//SARTA-REGIONAL-MEETINGS---PT
17.01.2022 NEW SA CROSS BORDER DIRECTION No 10 A copy of the new Cross Border Travel Direction No 10 WILL BE available on the Govt site this link: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergenc/cross-border-travel... The critical bit to read re Commercial Transport & Freight Essential Travellers is Clause 14 re the testing. We have highlighted in the pic below the most important bit that relieves Commercial Transport & Freight drivers from testing within 24 hrs and again on day 12 after entry IF they produce evidence of a test result or a test within the last 7 days. This amounts to a requirement for weekly COVID tests for ALL HV drivers (including returning SA drivers) ENTERING FROM VIC NSW or ACT, regardless of whether or not they are residents of those jurisdictions. There is NO REQUIREMENT for HV driver Essential Travellers to Self isolate while waiting for test results . Unless they are being tested because they have symptoms or have been exposed to an infected person.
16.01.2022 Rejection of Rigs at Vic/SA Border: last night some 40 to 50 rigs were turned around at the border by SAPol. SARTA contacted SAPol senior officers when we became aware and discussed this in detail. We have since advised our colleagues at all the other Associations as follows: You still CAN enter SA as an Essential Traveller HV driver from Vic/NSW without evidence of a test within the past 7 days PROVIDED YOU GET TESTED WITHIN 24 HRS of entry into SA. ... That's how its been since Direction No 10 came out weeks ago and it is still the case. So why were rigs turned around last night supposedly, as the myth is spreading it, for not having evidence of a test within the last 7 days? ONLY those drivers who have made multiple entries into SA over the past few weeks but who had NOT been tested at all during that time, meaning they broke the law and failed to be tested as required ON MULTIPLE OCASSIONS, were turned around. There is no point allowing people who chose to break the COVID testing rules, repeatedly, to enter SA and risk the health of South Australians. That is the quite reasonable thinking behind turning those rigs around. That said, we have again pressed the point with SAPol and SAHealth, including in a meeting with 4 very senior SAHealth and SAPathology officers this afternoon, that better access to testing facilities is required, including at Bordertown, preferably 24/7 but certainly at night. Victoria's ongoing refusal to test Essential Traveller HV drivers who dont have symptoms, even though they are keeping Vic feed and economically viable, is making the problem far worse, especially for Vic resident HV drivers. From our discussions this afternoon, we are confident of improved HV-friendly testing facilities being set up in or around Bordertown.
16.01.2022 SA Now Requires People entering from GREATER SYDNEY to Quarantine SAHealth has updated their list (which is the official list referred to in the Cross Border Direction Nos 24. It reads Effective from Midnight 20 December, ... 1. Entry is denied for anyone who has been in the Northern Beaches LGA since 11 December. NOTE: Anyone identified already in SA who has visited the Northern Beaches LGA since this date will already be in quarantine. 2. Anyone entering SA who has been in the Greater Sydney Region, Wollongong LGA or Central Coast LGA MUST: a. Quarantine in a suitable place, (for 14 days AFTER the date of arrival). A suitable place requires complete separation from others in the household and if this is not available, hotel quarantine will be arranged b. Have a COVID-19 test on days one, five and 12. (NOTE: SARTA is seeking urgent clarification from SAPol whether or not Essential Travers are exempt) 3. Anyone else entering SA from NSW ( including anyone who has entered SA from NSW in the previous three days) MUST: a. Have a COVID-19 test on days one, five and 12 (20 December is considered day one for those who have entered in the previous 3 days). b. These people are not required to quarantine, however they must: i. monitor for symptoms, and ii. self-isolate and seek another test if they begin to feel unwell.
16.01.2022 Due to some ratbag hackers somewhere in Africa, when they ran over 50,000 stolen credit cards through our website payment system to see which ones they could rip off, we have had to pull down our site. SARTA is developing a new website as it happens. Unfortunately this means that any links on our Facebook page that we have posted to assist non-members (members get everything sent to them directly) will not operate. This is beyond our control. Of course its worth rememberin...g that SARTA is NOT a government body and its NOT a free service for all things to all transport operators and drivers; you need to be a member to get it all. As we have said a number of times this year on Facebook when some folk seem to have taken SARTA for granted and expected (often even demanding) service and support even though they weren't members, what we do provide through social media we provide out of a sense of commitment and support for the industry but members must and will always come first. The best way to get everything we can offer is, of course, to Join; its very affordable but you must be a truck operator/owner. See more
16.01.2022 SARTA REGIONAL MEETING, MT GAMBIER - ON NEXT TUESDAY! - REGISTER TODAY! Our South East Meeting will be taking place in Mt Gambier on Tuesday 27th October 2020 from 1pm to 5pm at the East Gambier Football Club (McDonald Park, Jubilee Hwy, East Mt Gambier) SARTA Regional Meetings are FREE to attend, and we welcome both Members and Non-Members to come along.... Afternoon Tea to be Provided. If you are unable to be there, maybe you know of someone who can and would be interested in gaining some valuable industry information? again, you do not have to be a SARTA Memberso please feel free to share this invitation. To register your attendance, you can contact the SARTA Office on 08 8445 8177 or email [email protected] simply follow the link below and enter your details: https://reg.eventgate.com.au//SARTA-REGIONAL-MEETINGS---MO
15.01.2022 Trucking Industry and the NHVR Warn Against Pressuring Truck Operators and Drivers during COVID Restrictions. The Council of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) agreed on Wednesday 5th August to seek the NHVR's support in putting out a call to industry, consignors and consignees to ensure they don't pressure the trucking industry as COVID restrictions bite, especially in Victoria. The following has been released by the NHVR as a result and we welcome it. ... Don’t pressure truckies as COVID restriction starts 06-08-2020 Trucking industry customers must not make demands that would affect safety if there are delays due to Victoria’s COVID restrictions, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) CEO Sal Petroccitto and Australian Trucking Association CEO Ben Maguire said today. Mr Petroccitto said the Heavy Vehicle National Law imposed duties on the trucking industry’s customers as well as trucking businesses. By law, road freight safety is a shared responsibility of all the businesses in the supply chain, whether they operate trucks, load them, consign freight or receive it, Mr Petroccitto said. Businesses in the supply chain must, so far as is reasonably practicable, not cause or encourage other businesses or drivers to break the law, such as by speeding or driving while fatigued. It has to be recognised that the Victorian restrictions may cause delays, particularly with the reduction in the peak workforce at supermarket distribution centres. The NHVR will not tolerate attempts to pressure trucking businesses or drivers to break the law to maintain schedules. We all need to focus on safety and getting this virus under control, not on meeting delivery KPIs that may now be unachievable. Mr Maguire said the ATA’s member associations and corporate members had reaffirmed that the first priority of supply chain businesses must be the safety of their workers and the public. The ATA and our member associations represent thousands of trucking businesses, large and small. This week, at our general council meeting, our members confirmed their commitment to safety first, Mr Maguire said. It is essential that every business in the supply chain recognises that they must maintain safety on the road. I urge our customers to consult their road freight providers about how they are responding to the restrictions, to make sure their approach doesn’t affect safety. We owe it to our drivers and we owe it to the public to keep our roads safe. Mr Petroccitto said that anyone with safety concerns could contact the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line on 1800 931 785. Latest News Subject Media release
15.01.2022 SA Closes NSW Border from 12.01 am I January. The SA Govt has announced this new hard border with NSW BUT they have NOT yet issued a new Cross Border Travel Direction (we are still on Direction 25). We are tracking the SAPol Travel Directions page and will update our Facebook AFTER we see the new Direction: because we can NOT rely on the accuracy of the media reporting (it has frequently been wrong during this pandemic). Based on the the timing of the first 25 directions, w...e don't expect to see a new direction until just before midnight. We ANTICIPATE that there will be minimal impact on Essential Traveller HV Drivers as the arrangements currently in place will probably continue (although they MAY require COVID testing for ALL HV drivers entering from NSW) .....BUT we will have to wait and see. Please do not start firing questions at us about what this means or what the requirements are because as we have said above we will have to wait and see the new Direction 26 ... so we will NOT respond to questions until after we post an update. Please also note that we are on leave so we are not sitting at our computers watching the SAPol site continually. We will check it regularly. So watch this space for updates (probably late tonight). See more
14.01.2022 Direction Nos 26 DETAILS ... applies from 12.01 am 1 January: SARTA have been provided an advance copy of the Direction to facilitate advice to the industry. Its about to be signed and published. NOTE The following update: New Direction 26 Applies from 12.01 am 1 January... The new Direction 26 make minimal change for HV Essential Travellers . It ONLY impacts HV drivers who live in NSW. HV Drivers who are ordinarily residents of NSW are affected however, as below. Clause 4 of Schedule 2 defines them as follows: 4Commercial transport and freight servicesNew South Wales residents Persons who (a) are ordinarily resident in New South Wales; and (b) in the conduct of their duties, provide transport or freight services into, within and out of South Australia (including any crew on such transport or freight services) on a commercial basis; and (c) and are required to be physically present in South Australia for such purposes. Note A person referred to in this clause could (for example) self-quarantine by sleeping in the cabin of their truck. TESTING of Essential Travellers under Clause 9 of the Direction does NOT apply to HV Essential Travellers, as per Clause 9(6) below, which exempts HV drivers from Low Transmission zones AND ALSO NSW Resident HV drivers.: (6) This clause does not apply to (a) an essential traveller under Schedule 1 clause 3 (Commercial transport and freight services) or Schedule 2 clause 4 (Commercial transport and freight servicesNew South Wales residents) if the person produces to an authorised officer (on request) evidence of a COVID-19 test, or a COVID-19 test result, relating to a test undertaken by the person within the preceding 7 days; FACE MASKS: Clause 13 of Direction 26 requires the wearing of Face masks but exempts HV Essential Travellers EXCEPT HV Drivers ordinarily resident in NSW (ie Essential Travellers under Schedule 2 Clause 4) 13Face masks (1) Subject to this clause, an essential traveller must wear a surgical face mask (covering mouth and nose) in South Australia at any time that they come into contact with the public commencing on the date of their arrival in South Australia for 14 days not counting the day of arrival. (2) Subclause (1) does not apply to (a) an essential traveller under Schedule 1 clause 1 (National and State security and governance); or (b) an essential traveller under Schedule 1 clause 3 (Commercial transport and freight services); NOTE this does NOT exempt HV drivers who live in NSW (c) an essential traveller under Schedule 1 clause 4 (Cross border community members); (d) an essential traveller under Schedule 2 clause 1 (National and State security and governanceNew South Wales residents) while the person is working. Close Contact Records MUST still be maintaionedf by ALL Essential Travellers
14.01.2022 ET Phone Home (I've been wanting to say that...to Essential Traveller HV drivers) SARTA congratulates whoever the HV driver was who reported the two idiots who tried to sneak into SA last night at Wolseley by getting in between two trucks. The two in the car have been arrested. It's critical that the trucking industry is absolutely responsible during this COVID crisis and in particular about: 1. NOT allowing any passengers or stowaways or in any way assisting people to cro...ss into SA other than as allowed under the Cross Border Travel Order No 9 (or which ever subsequent Order is in force); and 2. Adhering to all the requirements as an ET and practicing COVID Safe measures at all times and this INCLUDING encouraging VIC Resident HV drivers to wear face masks at all times in SA whilst not in quarantine. If we fail to do these things, we can expect much stricter conditions to be applied to trucking operations and drivers. See more
14.01.2022 UPDATE: VICTORIAN Restrictions on Businesses: The Victorian Premier has made announcements on the business restrictions that will apply in Victoria during stage 4 restrictions. The Premier’s statement and the list of stage 4 business restrictions are attached. The following businesses are included on the list which can remain open:... Road transport (passenger and freight) Transport support services Vehicle repair, servicing and maintenance Heavy truck manufacturing Transport equipment manufacturing The following businesses are included on the list of businesses which can operate with additional restrictions: Supermarket distribution centres 33 per cent peak workforce reduction Meat, meat product and seafood processing and distribution centres subject to industry tailored COVID safe plan Warehousing and cold storage risk mitigations high risk COVID safe plan required For retail trade, all are closed for on-site work unless specifically listed as being able to remain open. The open list includes supermarkets, fuel retailing, hardware (for trade purposes) and motor vehicle parts for emergency repairs.
14.01.2022 If you Risk Others' Lives to Save a Few Seconds ... YOU'RE a SELFISH PRICK! This selfish motorist probably has no idea the oncoming truck driver saved the selfish motorist's life by moving off the road, risking his own life in the process. This moronic motorist almost killed three truck drivers ... all for what ... saving a few seconds: ... SELFISH PRICK. https://fb.watch/5ELB5hcAbY/
13.01.2022 Changes to SA Cross Border Travel NSW Locations Added The Cross Border Travel Associated Direction No 16 Direction has been revoked and replaced by the Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel Associated Direction No 17)(COVID-19) Direction 2021 The Cross Border-Associated Direction No 17 came into effect at 2:00pm on Thursday 17 June 2021.... Under the New Direction No17, the conditions/restrictions for entry into SA from VIC remain unchanged from the previous direction (No16) What has changed however, is the addition of restrictions on entry into SA from certain locations in NSW: People who arrived in South Australia prior to 2:00 pm Thursday 17 June 2021 and who have been at a specific COVID-19 case location at the specified date and time on the Government of New South Wales Website (with the exception of those COVID-19 case locations whose date is the 3, 4 or 5 June 2021) are subject to Level 5 requirements this includes essential travellers. This includes all close and causal contacts specified on the Government of New South Wales website. Level 5 requirements are: Self-quarantine for 14 days. The person must receive a COVID-19 test within 24hrs and on day 5 and 13 into South Australia. Must wear a face mask which covers their mouth and nose at any time that the person comes in contact with the public for 14 days after their arrival into South Australia. People arriving in South Australia after 2:00 pm Thursday 17 June 2021, including Essential Travellers and SA residents who have been at a specific COVID-19 case location as either a close or casual contact at the specified date and time on the Government of New South Wales Website (with the exception of those COVID-19 case locations whose date is the 3, 4 or 5 June 2021) are subject to Level 6 requirements and are not permitted to enter South Australia. Exemptions apply for people who are escaping domestic violence, but these travellers are still subject to the Level 5 requirements as above. Additional travel exemptions may also be granted with restrictions as determined by SA Health. So as a summary, under the New Direction No17: Restrictions to SA from VIC have not changed from the previous Direction, and the Restrictions for entry into SA from NSW are currently limited to SPECIFIC COVID Case Locations from SPECIFIC Dates and Times. Links to the relevant information, documents and tables can be found at the links below: Cross Border Travel Associated Direction No17 Emergency Management (Cross Border TravelAssociated Direction No 17) (COVID-19) Direction (PDF, 209.6 KB) - 17 June 2021 Greater Melbourne / Victoria Entry to SA Requirements Table - Vic (PDF, 220.1 KB) - 17 June 2021 Essential traveller requirements table (PDF, 698.8 KB) - 16 June 2021 NSW restricted zones Entry to SA Requirements Table - NSW (PDF, 132.1 KB) - 17 June 2021
13.01.2022 SARTA Is Pursuing a Number of Implementation Issues re the new Travel Direction No 10: In addition to dealing with hundreds of calls, texts, emails and Facebook posts from drivers and operators confused About the new Direction No 10, SARTA is dealing with a significant number of operational issues with SAPol and SAHealth to try and make this work. ... This includes: 1. The need for 24/7 operation of testing facilities, not just during office hrs; 2. The need for HV accessible testing facilities; 3. The need for testing facilities in practical locations, as the demand is now far higher than during the voluntary testing regime; 4. The need for far better communication of the policy with ALL police officers and medical personnel, especially re: a. HV drivers getting the Essential Traveller MONITORING test (ie who do NOT have symptoms and who are NOT a close contact of a COVID positive person) i. DO NOT have to isolate for any length of time after being tested unless and they test positive; ii. CAN be and MUST be tested even though they don’t present with symptoms or aren’t a close contact; 5. The need for HV drivers to be provided PROOF that they have been tested, so they can comply with the requirement under Clause 14 of the Direction to produce evidence that they have been tested within the past 7 days. 6. The need for NSW and Vic to facilitate HV driver testing too. There are numerous other issues we are pursuing also. If you have any issues please email them to [email protected] and [email protected] and we will get to them as fast as we can.
13.01.2022 SA BORDER Entry Applications. SARTA has discussed issues raised by some drivers/operators re whether a formal approval of their application is required before entering SA. SAPol advise that everyone should apply beforehand and then proceed to the border. Absence of a response to the application is not an automatic barrier to entry.
13.01.2022 Nullarbor Road House and BP Pt Augusta and Wingfield feeding Truck Drivers. SARTA and the NHVR Working Together to Ensure TruckStops Keep Feeding Truck Drivers. SARTA has been in touch with several Truckstops after hearing they were NOT feeding truck drivers, based on incorrect advice they received from the govt Call centre staff. ... We have sorted the Call Centre info issue with SAPol and SAHealth. NHVR is being a great help in communicating with TruckStops, supporting SARTA's actions. The Nullarbor Roadhouse has thanked us and advised they are now providing food and drinks for Truck drivers. Rampage have advised the NHVR that "We are open and selling food to Truck Drivers at BP Port Augusta and BP Wingfield.."
12.01.2022 VIC COVID Testing is VOLUNTARY ...For those wondering.
12.01.2022 SARTA has just been advised by SAPol this evening that SAPOL is in the process of establishing Border control sites effective immediately, initially in a reduced capacity at the following locations; 1. Sturt Highway, Yamba 2. Mallee Highway, Pinnaroo 3. Dukes Highway, Wolseley... 4. Wimmera Highway, Laurie Park 5. Casterton Road, Penola 6. Glenelg Highway, Myora 7. Princes Highway, Glenburnie 8. Glenelg River Road, Donovans/Nelson SAPOL members have been advised; If there is any indication of a build of traffic they have the option (if it is safe to do so) to wave commercial vehicles through the border control sit, but again I reinforce this will only happen if it is safe to do so. If there is no other traffic in the vicinity then commercial vehicles can expect and should prepare to be stopped and asked for their Cross Border (Essential Traveller) Number. We are in the process of rolling out the Speed Step Down / speed reduction warning templates on approach to the Border sites, including Vehicle Messaging System VMS Trailers warning of the existence of border checking sites and the potential for traffic hazards this will of course take several hours to complete across all sites and is not expected to be complete until tomorrow morning. SAPOL is also in communication with Victoria Police and we anticipate they will have a presence on the Victorian side of the border in some way.
12.01.2022 Updates to SA Cross Border Requirements (Associated Direction No 20) 23/06/21 The Cross Border Travel Associated Direction No 19 Direction has been revoked and replaced by the Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel Associated Direction No 20 (COVID-19) Direction 2021 The Cross Border-Associated Direction No 20 came into effect at 5:21 pm 23 June 2021...Continue reading
12.01.2022 COVID TESTING UPDATE: We have been pursuing our contacts at SAHealth and PathologySA re operating hrs and staff levels at test sites, and have just been advised they are reviewing the hours of operation at Tailem Bend and Pt Augusta. We will update you as official information comes to hand.COVID TESTING UPDATE: We have been pursuing our contacts at SAHealth and PathologySA re operating hrs and staff levels at test sites, and have just been advised they are reviewing the hours of operation at Tailem Bend and Pt Augusta. We will update you as official information comes to hand.
12.01.2022 HV Truck Drivers can IGNORE text messages sent by SA Health earlier today. Truck drivers were inadvertently included in the list. Truck drivers entering SA do NOT have to be COVID tested on arrival and/or 12 days after entering SA as suggested by the text messages from the Government this morning. HOWEVER, any truck driver experiencing symptoms or who believes they MAY have been exposed to COVID19 is encouraged to make use of the free testing that is available from SA Pathology.
11.01.2022 Where do YOU NEED COVID Testing Sites to be located To help us improve the access to COVID testing facilities in SA, it would help if you tell us: 1. Where (town and road location) you need facilities;... 2. What TIME you need access: a. 9am to 4pm b. 24 hrs c. Monday to Friday d. Seven Days Email us at [email protected]
10.01.2022 SARTA World Class HV Simulator Now Available for Training.
10.01.2022 UPDATE: SA COVID Direction No 10 ... and its operation (in SA) This post addressed rumours and false info circulating out there and on Facebook. EVERYTHING SARTA posts about the new COVID Direction has been CHECKED with SAPol and SAHealth ... so rule number one .... ignore the bush-lawyers and dont try to interpret the Direction how you want it to be. Do Tests have to be done in SA ?.... NO any COVID test from ANY state will be accepted. Do I have to isolate after having a Test? NO not if you do NOT have symptoms and you are NOT a Close Contact of somebody who has symptoms or is positive. ONLY when, in the highly unlikely case, IF your results come back positive then you must isolate. Do I have to see my doctor for a referral to get a COVID Test? NO, you can use the SAPathology Referral form, already signed by the head of SAPathology, OR use the form given to you at the border IF/when police direct you to have a test within 24hrs, it has been signed by the Chief Medical Officer. SARTA is again posting a link to the SAPathology form this am. Do I have to have proof of a NEGATIVE Test under Clause 14 of the Direction to be exempt from a test within 24 hrs of entering SA? NO, the direction says nothing about 'negative' results, it just says "evidence of a COVID-19 test, or a COVID-19 test result, relating to a test undertaken by the person within the preceding 7 days" . SO you can just have evidence of having had a test in the last 7 days .... or of a result you got in the last 7 days (obviously IF that result is positive you should be isolating or on your way to isolate). Do I have to be tested every 7 days if I do NOT enter SA every week (eg only now and then or once a fortnight etc)? NO if you only come into SA infrequently then just get the test done within 24 hrs of each entry. If you are STILL in SA 12 days later then you need a second test but if you leave before 12 days, then that requirement is cancelled. Do I have to be tested regardless of which state I enter SA from? NO, the testing requirement (as far as HV drivers goes) ONLY APPLIES to HV drivers entering from NSW VIC ACT. Am I exempt from the COVID testing if I am passing through SA under Clause 6 of Schedule 2? NO: SARTA has confirmed with SAPOl that Clause 6 (Passing Through) in Schedule 2 does NOT apply to HV Drivers. They are all covered by either Clause 3 Schedule 1 or Clause 4 Schedule 2 (Victorian Resident Truck Drivers. So NO HV Driver can rely on using the Passing Through category under Clause 6 of Schedule 2. Do I have to be tested before coming into SA? NO, if you haven't been tested in the 7 days before entering SA you can just have your test within 24 hrs of entering SA.
10.01.2022 Media takes interest in the problems with COVID Testing of Truck drivers entering from Vic NSW and ACT. Discussions with the Government continue. SARTA continues to discuss the problem and the testing regime with the Government. This article is in today's Advertiser. SARTA has discussed the situation with Premier Marshall this morning.
09.01.2022 Close but No Cigar: The new National Freight Movement Code agreed by the National Cabinet (the Prime Minister and Premiers) yesterday looks good on the surface but it falls short of what the industry needs .... ie consistent and uniform arrangements. It is significant that all governments have recognised in the Code, IN THE SECOND SENTENCE, that "freight movements have not been identified as a source of community transmission of COVID-19 to date" .... this confirms what SA...Continue reading
09.01.2022 SA and Qld Border Control Changes UPDATE 23 September 2020: SARTA is awaiting SA an update from SAPol re the opening of the NSW Border and how they will impact requirements on drivers and operators. They have not yet changed the current SA Direction (Nos 14) but we expect they will today and we will then update members. We anticipate they will simply add NSW to the Low Transmission Zone list and that will mean that the current testing requirement for HV drivers entering from ...Continue reading
08.01.2022 SA Cross Border Requirements (Assoc. Direction No 24) - MULTI STATE RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED The Cross Border Travel Associated Direction No 23 Direction has been revoked and replaced by the Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel Associated Direction No 24 (COVID-19) Direction 2021 The Cross Border-Associated Direction No 24 came into effect at 8.26pm Sunday 27 June 2021...Continue reading
08.01.2022 SARTA Received the following Update and Clarification from our WA Colleagues re the new WA Border controls and Testing. SARTA received several calls from operators last night and this morning re what their drivers were being told by WA Police at the border and it left some aspects needing clarification, which we sought from the WRF, our colleagues in WA, who liaised with further with WA Officials before providing the following update. The Western Australian Government has st...arted to enforce its new border rules, following new directions on Sunday night. New directions were put in place on Sunday to assist in managing the risk of people who have been in NSW or Vic in the last 14 days who are entering WA. If you have travelled from Vic or NSW in the last 14 days you must present for testing after 48 hours and if you remain in WA then again 11 days after you have arrived. You must present within 48 hours of entry into WA to a COVID clinic for testing. If you remain in WA, then 11 days after you have arrived you must present back to the clinic for follow up testing. By virtue of being subject to this direction, the cost of testing will be covered by normal Medicare process Must wear face mask if you have been in Vic or NSW when interacting with others, and continue to observe the 1.5m physical distancing requirements. On more general matters: Specialists are no longer likely to avoid 14 day quarantine. All applications are getting more scrutiny and exemptions are being granted sparingly. FIFO is being questioned for every applicant as to why the worker cannot be based in WA. In you are applying for exemptions for specialists- attach as many docs as you can as to why the work is time critical, why they are the only operator that can undertake the work and what they will be doing to manage the risk.
08.01.2022 SA BORDER CONTROL CHANGES FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT As announced by the SA State Government, from Midnight tonight (24th Sept 2020) the border restriction with NSW will be lifted. The SA Cross Border Travel Direction has been updated accordingly (now at No15) to include NSW to the Low Transmission Zone List.... That means the current testing requirements for HV Drivers entering from NSW has been removed. The SA Cross Border Travel Direction No15 begins operation from 12:01am Thursday 24th September. With the new direction in place, COVID-19 Testing will now only apply to HV Essential Travellers: Who are residents of VIC entering SA Are travelling to SA from VIC, or Have been in VIC within the last 14 days All other requirements of HV Essential Travellers entering SA remain, eg: Cross Border Travel Registration Letter/Documentation from Employer Keeping a record of Close Contacts And continuing for VIC RESIDENTS HV Essential Travellers only: Self-Quarantine whilst not working Must wear a Mask For a copy of Direction No15 and further information regarding the SA Cross Border Travel Directions, visit: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergenc/cross-border-travel
08.01.2022 TruckStops and Roadhouses ARE Essential Services and are listed and allowed to operate under the current SA Lockdown Order, which states: essential worker means a person who performs work that is essential for the continued operation of any of the following: ... (zc) truckstops and roadhouses, including the provision of food for seated consumption at, or take away from, a truckstop or roadhouse by a truck driver;... A copy of the Stay at Home Order is at this link: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergency-decla/stay-at-home
07.01.2022 SARTA Extends Christmas Greetings and Best Wishes to all Operators and your Staff It’s become a bit of a cliché but 2020 has been a year we’d all rather forget. It has thrown up challenges one after the other, the likes of which we have not seen before, placing enormous strain on the industry, individual businesses and operators, operations and office staff, the drivers, mechanics and everyone else who makes this great industry work.... They have shone through the darkness and proven how vital the trucking industry is, to the whole community and to Government at all levels, from the Prime Minister and Premier down, as well as to the media. The pressures and demands imposed by the COVID Crisis over the past 9 months have been taken in the industry’s stride as we kept the economy going and the community fed and sustained. Despite many millions of border crossings, there has not been a single case of COVID transmission by trucking across the borders. That is testament to your and your staff’s outstanding commitment to being COVID safe and complying with the constantly changing requirements over the past 9 months. We are not the only group in the community who have responded so well and positively to the crisis, but we have more than done our part, of which we can all be justly proud. Of course the COVID crisis has not stopped the flood of all the other issues and work confronting the industry and we have dealt with all of that too. There will always be some critics who are never happy, but they are a miniscule and often ill-informed minority. SARTA thanks you and your staff for the role you have played. On behalf of President, Sharon Middleton, and the Board of SARTA, we wish you and your staff and all your families a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy (and BETTER) New Year See more
05.01.2022 Merry Christmas to all out there on the road, including our friends in blue working with us to keep SA safe.
05.01.2022 HV Operators are NOT Required to Provide COVID19 Test Evidence to Clients SARTA has received reports of clients over-reaching by requiring Transport Operators to provide details and histories of their drivers COVID19 Tests. The ONLY people authorised to require and receive such information are the authorised officers who are enforcing the Cross Border Travel Directions. ... Passing drivers medical records, including COVID19 test results to third parties risks serious breaches of the Privacy legislation, with attendant penalties, including for the clients that are over-reaching their legal authority. Most personnel within clients’ businesses would NOT be aware of or correctly understand the complex and frequently changing requirements, including COVID testing, under the Cross Border travel Directions. So they would NOT know when a driver is and isn’t required to be tested and when they are or aren’t required to isolate etc. Of course transport operators could respond by saying that we will only deliver/pick up your freight if you provide us with the COVID19 testing details of all your despatch, warehouse, loading bay and admin staff who handle the freight and the paperwork. As with the CoR provisions of the HVNLaw, ALL your clients should reasonably require from you is confirmation that you have COVID Safe practices in place and that you ensure that your operations and drivers comply with the requirements of the Cross Border Travel Directions, including any applicable COVID19 Testing requirements.
04.01.2022 TRUCKING's Excellent COVID-Safe Record underpins the new Border Control Measures. This post addresses some public concerns re truck drivers entering from Vic. There have been numerous questions from the public to media outlets, raising concerns since the Vic COVID spike about the risk of truck drivers transmitting COVID into SA. These concerns were understandable but utterly ill-informed because the public largely doesn't know how well trucking has been managing COVID from t...he outset; which we must continue to do. This may have been behind the initial plan to require truck drivers entering to quarantine when not working in SA. SARTA worked with SAPol and Dept Health and resolved this, ending up with ONLY Vic Resident truck drivers having to quarantine while in SA: this is based on the risk profile. For anyone who may be concerned about truck drivers entering SA we provide this information: The reason that the new Direction continues the exemption from quarantine, while in SA, for all drivers except Vic resident drivers, is that for over 4 months more than 10,000 trucks have entered SA every week without a single case of transmission of COVID by truckie .... and THAT is because: interstate truck drivers are isolated in their rigs 95% or more of the time and when they are out of the rig delivering or picking up freight at customer depots the socially distance, use sanitiser and ppe and use contact-free transactions. Given this clear evidence of the covid safe practices of the trucking industry. Hence NO they are not required to be tested each time they arrive back in SA .... BUT we have had testing facilities manned by SAPathology on key freight routes for over a month and many drivers take advantage of that. The Health Department is in close contact with SARTA and is fully satisfied and approved this arrangement based on strong medical grounds and evidence. If you are concerned. See more
04.01.2022 VICTORIA STAGE 4 LOCKDOWN .... details of Melbourne and Regional restrictions announced today by Premier Andrews: VICTORIA: MELBOURNE 1. From 6pm tonight Sunday 2nd August , Melbourne will also move to Stage 4 restrictions with stronger rules to limit the movement of people. 2. Curfew from 8pm to 5am beginning tonight 2nd August. The only reasons to leave home during these hours will be work, medical care and caregiving.... 3. Face coverings will continue to be compulsory ensuring that if we do have to be out, it’s in the safest way possible. 4. Where you slept last night is where you’ll need to stay for the next six weeks. There’ll be exemptions for partners who live apart and for work, if required. 5. Monday 3rd August I’ll have more to say about the way Victorians need to work full details re MELBOURNE restrictions here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-changes-melbournes Victorian REGIONAL Restrictions: Level 3 from 11.59Pm Wednesday 5th 1. From 11:59pm on Wednesday, regional Victoria will return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions. 2. Only be four reasons to be out: shopping for food and essential items. Care and caregiving. Daily exercise. Work and study if you can’t do it from home. 3. Otherwise, you must stay home. 4. Businesses in regional Victoria will also return to Stage 3 restrictions. 5. That means restaurants and cafes can only offer delivery and takeaway. Beauty and personal services will need to close. Entertainment and cultural venues will need to close. Community sport will need to stop. 6. This we’ll be tough for these businesses and their workers and we’ll have more to say very shortly about extra support to help get you through. 7. Face coverings will continue to be compulsory ensuring that if we do have to be out, it’s in the safest way possible. Full details of Regional Victoria Restrictions here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-changes-regional-r
04.01.2022 Dont Want TOUGHER Border Controls? Neither do we, so there is no place for foolish and irresponsible behaviour like smuggling people across the Vic/SA border. A man was arrested today charged with doing just that and it triggered immediate calls from the State Opposition Leader for ever car and every truck to be stopped and checked and tested at the Border. We don't need such irresponsible to put our entire industry at risk of shut down. SARTA Responded to the Opposition's c...alls saying the issue shouldn't be politicised. We all know how vital the trucking industry is and why we must keep the freight moving BUT we can NOT afford to take that for granted and assume Govt would never close the borders to us too and before leaping to any arguments that it couldn't because the country would stop, think about this .... TRAINs .... if it gets bad enough that's on the cards despite the huge disruptions and delays it would cause. Read the Advertiser story extract here: The incident has led to a call from the Opposition for mandatory checks of every truck and car crossing the Victorian border as well as mandatory testing at the border and provision of the resources necessary to ensure this happens in an efficient manner. At the moment, truck drivers travelling into SA from Victoria or NSW need to be tested once a week. Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said a ‘no test, no entry’ position was needed to protect the state. The fact that there have been thousands of people that have come across from Victoria in recent weeks really demonstrates that there is still an ongoing risk, he said. Recent reports of truck drivers moving to and from Victoria without being stopped at the border clearly raises questions about unnecessary risk. We must be doing everything we possibly can to ensure we don’t have COVID-19 coming back into South Australia, particularly from Victoria, in a way that could result in a second wave. SA Road Transport Association executive officer Steve Shearer said it’s important the issue is not politicised. We have had over 10,000 entries a week across the border for the past four and a half months and not a single case of COVID transmission by a truck driver, he said. Truck drivers are isolated 95 to 98 per cent of the time and when they are out of their truck, they’re using COVID-safe procedures. Mr Shearer said it was in truck drivers’ best interests to ensure COVID regulations were met, otherwise they would be jeopardising their own jobs and businesses. Infrastructure and Transport Minister Corey Wingard said the Transition Committee had put processes in place to keep South Australians safe. We need to keep freight moving between the states. We need to keep people in jobs, he said. We need to keep people working and that’s vitally important and the Transition Committee is looking at that regularly to make sure we get it right. I trust the work they are doing.
04.01.2022 AUTOMATIC Truck Driver Referral for COVID Test SARTA has received confirmation from SAHealth that the attached SAPathology AUTOMATIC Referral for Truck Drivers to be COVID Tested CAN STILL BE USED. It is the same form we published when the voluntary testing was introduced in June form can be accessed at the link below:... http://www.sarta.org.au//PUB-0714%20v1_truck%20driver%20FI If your trucks are stopped at the Border and IF the driver has not had a test in the last 7 days THEN they will be given another AUTOMATIC Referral Form signed by Nicola Spurrier the Chief Medical Officer. EITHER Form will get your drivers straight in for a COVID test without having to go see their doctor first. SARTA has suggested to SAHealth that BOTH forms be amended to state that the driver does NOT have to isolate after having the test.
03.01.2022 SARTA Continues to Push For Easing of the COVID Testing Requirements. Today SARTA discussed a major shift in the COVID Testing for truck drivers with the Premier Steven Marshall early this morning and later with new Minister for Transport Corey Wingard. The Premier took SARTA’s proposal, for a shift to random COVID testing of HV drivers, supplemented by any necessary targeted testing, to the COVID Recovery Committee. We have had subsequent discussions today with officials inc...luding on the number, location ,hours of operation and truck-friendly set-up of COVID Testing facilities specifically for truck drivers. We HOPE the following will be adopted: 1. Mandatory weekly testing be dropped; 2. HV Essential Traveller drivers will be tested randomly at truck-friendly facilities on key freight routes and at any pop-up facilities used by the authorities; 3. Some targeted testing may be done based upon police intelligence and road-side observations. THIS HAS NOT YET BEEN AGREED .... but it is being considered (at the time of published in this Bulletin) but it would be a major and very welcome development and we appreciate the opportunity to discuss this with the Premier and Minister Wingard, along with the senior SA Health Officials. SARTA is continuing to work with SA Health feeding back the input from industry about the testing facilities required, the hours of operation and locations etc.
03.01.2022 COVID Tests for HV Drivers DROPPED Under New Cross Border Travel Direction Nos 19 The new Direction Nos 19 was issued Saturday evening. Its available at this link: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergenc/cross-border-travel... Click on the links UNDER the heading New Direction Details . Just click on the link under the heading New Direction Details. Everything is the same EXCEPT the requirement for COVID testing for HV drivers has been dropped. Under Clause 14 Testing of Arrivals, is the key clause that means HV drivers, including Victorian Residents, do NOT need to be COVID tested for SA entry, or at any time. It states: (5) This clause does not apply to (a) an essential traveller under (i) Schedule 1 clause 3 (Commercial transport and freightgeneral); or (ii) Schedule 1 clause 5 (Cross border community members); or (iii) Schedule 2 clause 4 (Commercial transport and freight servicesVictorian residents); All other requirements, quarantine and masks etc remain unchanged. IF all goes to plan then on 1 December all restrictions will be lifted.
03.01.2022 26 May 6 PM UPDATE COVID VIC/SA Border Restrictions UPDATE Last night SA changed its Border Controls again, as the Vics broadened their Restricted zones. There are now two Restricted Zone, A and B and the places included are listed on the Vic website at this link: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites The new rules for Essential Traveller HV drivers entering from Vic depend upon; a) Whether you were in Zone A or Zone B during the period list at the above site;... b) Whether you arrived in SA BEFORE of AFTER 6pm Wednesday 26th If you arrived BEFORE 6pm on 26th and: a) were in Restricted Zone A on or after 20th May LEVEL 3 applies; b) were in Restricted Zone B on or after 22nd May LEVEL 3 applies; If you arrived AFTER 6pm on 26th and: a) were in Restricted Zone A on or after 20th May LEVEL 4 applies; LEVEL 4 Requirements are: o SELF - QUARANTINE (for 14 days after arrival): Category 1 (NOT normally a resident of the VIC Restricted sites) DO NOT have to self-quarantine BUT MUST NOT enter a High Risk setting in SA for 14 days after arrival: Category 2 (ARE normally a resident of VIC restricted sites) Do NOT have to self-quarantine while performing your duties or travelling to or from them. SO ET HV drivers who live in the VIC Restricted Sites during the specified periods must self-quarantine whilst resting in at their destination in SA o Must submit to a COVID-19 test within 24 hrs of arrival then again on days 5 and 13 AFTER the day or arrival (unless you have evidence of a COVID test/result within the last 7 days). o Must wear a mask (covering mouth and nose) anytime they come into contact with the public for 14 days after arrival. LEVEL 3 Requirements are: COVID-19 testing: Person must submit to COVID-19 testing within 24 hours after their arrival in South Australia; and on the 5th day after their arrival in South Australia; and on the 13th day after their arrival in South Australia Quarantine until negative test: Person must comply with the self-quarantine requirements under clause 10 until they get a negative COVID-19 test result No entry to high risk setting: Person must not enter or remain in a high risk setting in South Australia for a period of 14 days after their arrival in South Australia unless the person is permitted to enter in accordance with clause 9 No entry to CMP events: Person must not attend any event in South Australia with an approved COVID Management Plan or at which more than 1000 people are present for a period of 14 days after their arrival in South Australia HV Driver Essential Travellers who have been to the listed VIC Restricted sites within the specified periods CAN apply to SA Health for an Exemption at this link: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au//essential-traveller-health
03.01.2022 SA Vic Border initial delays last night have been fixed by SAPol. In the early hrs of this morning, after the new Travel Direction No 10 requiring COVID Testing of HV drivers (and other Essential Travellers), a 3km queue of trucks built up with a delay of some 90 minutes at Bordertown. This was due to a misunderstanding by police on site as it was never intended that every truck be stopped. SAPol became aware of this and corrected it and the police on site began applying the... correct procedure of randomly stopping some trucks. JUST TO BE CLEAR: under the new Direction that applies as of 12.01am this morning (because it is complex ): The key bit of the new Order (re testing) is Clause 14 which provides: 1. 14(1) requires anyone entering SA from VIC NSW or ACT to be tested within 24hrs (and IF still in SA, again in 12 days), or face the fine; 2. 14(4)(b) provides an exemption from testing within 24hrs of each entry into SA (eg a HV driver who enter say 3 times a week) a. IF they are able to produce evidence of a test or a test result within the past 7 days 3. So, HV drivers entering more frequently than once a week either: a. Get tested every time within 24 hrs of each entry; or b. Under 14(4)(b), they can limit their tests to once a week, and be prepared to produce the evidence of this. The key point being that folk who may be thinking they can chance their arm and only get tested within 24 hrs on the occasions they are stopped by officers at the border, would be risking not only their health but fines ($1060 for drivers and $5000 for Operators) for each failure to have had the test within 24 hrs of entering SA in the event of an authorised officer asking them to produce evidence of their tests, which could occur any where and at any time, not just at the border. So this adds up to being tested AT LEAST WEEKLY for any HV driver who enters SA once or more a week from VIC NSW ACT.
02.01.2022 New Direction 27 Adds Great Brisbane as HIGH TRANSMISSION ZONE Effective from 12.01 am Saturday 9 January From 12.01 am Saturday 9th January: 1. Greater Brisbane is added as a High Transmission Zone (the NSW High Transmission Zones remain)... 2. EVERYONE who has been in Greater Brisbane after 2 January must: a. Be COVID tested within 24 hrs AND on 13th January 3. Essential Traveller HV drivers who have been in a HIGH Transmission Zone (which now includes Greater Brisbane) MUST: a. Be COVID tested on days 1, 5, 12 UNLESS they have a COVID Test or Test Result that is no more than 7 days old b. Comply with the Self Quarantine requirements for Essential Travellers in Schedule 4 c. Wear Face Masks whenever they come into contact with the public for 14 days after entering SA 4. ALL Essential Traveller HV Drivers MUST maintain Close Contact Records.
02.01.2022 SA Borders Open BUT CLOSE CONTACT RECORDS STILL REQUIRED The SA Police Commissioner and Premier announced yesterday that the Border Restrictions had been lifted effective immediately. As always, SARTA awaits the actual legal instrument, the Cross Border Travel Direction, to be issued because regardless of any media statements, the DIRCETION is law. ... This am when no new Direction had yet been issued we consulted with the SAPol COVID Commander and in an exchange of emails we have confirmed that: 1. CLOSE Contact Records MUST STILL be kept from the day of entering SA and the NEXT 14 days, as before; 2. Entry Permits, Face Masks and COVID Tests are not required SAPol are seeking further information from SAHealth on the Close Contact Record requirements and we will advise you is that requirement is also dropped or changed.
02.01.2022 SA VIC Border CLOSURE Update: SARTA understands from our Vic counterparts that: 1) TODAY a 'soft' border closure by the Victorians will commence ;...Continue reading
02.01.2022 With just a week to go, we invite you to register for the SARTA Regional Meeting taking place in the Riverland on Tuesday 8th October - 1pm to 5pm at The Renmark Club, 160 Murray Street, Renmark. SARTA Regional Meetings are FREE to attend, and we welcome both Members and Non-Members to come along. Afternoon Tea to be Provided. If you are unable to be there, maybe you know of someone who can and would be interested in gaining some valuable industry information again, you d...o not have to be a SARTA Member to attendso please feel free to share this invitation. To register your attendance, you can call or email the SARTA Office: 08 8445 8177 [email protected] or simply follow the link below and enter your details: https://reg.eventgate.com.au//SARTA-REGIONAL-MEETINGS---RE
01.01.2022 IMPORTANT ALERT FROM Dept Infrastructure and Transport Friday, 2 July 2021 SCAM ALERT Fake EzyReg phishing email... The Department for Infrastructure and Transport has been alerted to a phishing email purporting to have been sent from EzyReg. This is not an email from the department or Service SA. The department and Service SA no longer send any emails with EzyReg branding nor appearing to be from an EzyReg Account. The scam email also uses the department’s previous name of The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. If you receive this email, do not visit the click here link and immediately delete it. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of correspondence received from the department or Service SA, please fill in the feedback form on the Service SA website at www.service.sa.gov.au or email us at [email protected].
