13 August 2021
Requirements for crossing the Qld/NSW border for work changed yesterday, with the types of work permitted to travel now restricted.
What’s changed
Additional restrictions are in place for anyone who is travelling for work in the Qld/NSW border zone areas of Walgett Shire, Bourke Shire, Brewarrina Shire, Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, City of Lismore or Richmond Valley Council Local Government Areas. These restrictions also apply to NSW residents travelling from these areas to do work in Queensland.
These LGAs that were previously declared hot spots have now been upgraded to interstate places of concern, and as such the Queensland Government has changed requirements for crossing the border for work and travelling back into Queensland.
Essential work can continue
The definition of essential work in these LGAS only has been narrowed and you are now permitted to only travel for essential work, which includes work that is urgently required:
- For safety reasons
- For emergency repairs
- That is necessary to maintain essential services and supplies to the community, or part of the community.
It includes work performed by a tradesperson or construction worker for essential or emergency construction or repairs only.
It excludes work performed by commercial construction workers on non-critical projects.
We are currently seeking urgent clarification and examples on what types of work are allowed and those that are restricted.
If you are travelling for these essential work purposes, you can continue to cross the border into the NSW border zone. You must have evidence of your reason for travel – a letter from your employer or similar documentation.
On your return to Queensland, you must follow the NSW stay at home restrictions – including wearing a mask and only leaving home for essential reasons. These same rules apply to NSW residents from these LGAs travelling into Queensland to perform essential work.
You cannot leave the border zone. If you do (or are found to do so), or if you’re not travelling for an essential purpose, you may be required to perform mandatory 14-day quarantine on your return to Queensland.
Text message from Queensland Health
We have received reports from many workers who have completed a Queensland Entry Declaration (for Border Zone Travel) that they have received a text message from Queensland Health advising them that if they’ve visited one of the LGAs (places of concern) they must now quarantine for 14 days.
This message has created a lot of confusion as it contradicts other information available. We understand that the reference to ‘quarantine’ in this instance is different to the normal definition of ‘home quarantine’. Instead, it means that when you return to Queensland you must follow the directive and stay at home, except for a number of reasons, including performing essential work.
Read more about the updates on the Queensland Government website or read the places of concern directive.
Queensland entry pass
In order to enter Queensland, you must complete a Queensland entry pass (this includes Queensland residents).
NSW entry declaration
If travelling to the border zone for construction work, you’ll need to complete the NSW entry declaration within 24 hours of entry, each time you enter NSW, but not more than once every 72 hours (3 days).
More information including the information you need to provide is available on the NSW Government website.
FAQS
Q: Can I still travel to the Tweed for construction work?
A: Yes, Tweed Shire Council is not one of the impacted LGAs at this stage
Q: If I live in the Tweed, can I still come to Queensland for construction work?
A: Yes, you can perform construction work anywhere in Queensland.
Q: Can I travel to Lismore for construction work?
A: Yes, but only if it fits the definition of essential and you’ll need to carry documentation to demonstrate this.
Q: If I live in Byron Shire, can I travel to Queensland?
A: Yes, but only if it fits the definition of essential and you’ll need to carry documentation to demonstrate this. You’ll need to follow the NSW stay at home restrictions while you are there.
Q: If I’ve been in one of the LGAs but not for work, can I enter Queensland?
A: You’ll need a permitted reason to return to Queensland. If you don’t have one, you may be required to enter 14-day mandatory quarantine.
Read more FAQs on the Queensland Government website.
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