COVID-19 update - 7 August 2020 - Border closures

7 August 2020

Today we'll focus on the border closure restrictions and what it means for construction workers working in the border communities of Queensland and New South Wales. We've also included some real-life examples to provide some clarity.

^{This COVID-19 member update is unlocked and free to all in the interests of the building and construction industry. Did you know members have exclusive access to information and our team of experts who are on hand to assist in a range of ways? Need more specific COVID-19 advice relating to contracts, WHS, employment conditions or the relief measures? Members can contact us or learn how to join so you can speak with our experts and get free advice.}

Queensland border closures – What it means for construction

Overnight, the Queensland Government released a new direction around restrictions for the Queensland border closures.

While we appreciate the clarity the Queensland Government has now given on the exemptions to construction with the border closure, which we pushed hard for, the changes are going to be a major disruption to our industry; an industry that is now holding up the Queensland economy.

As an industry, we were exempt from the border closure last time because of our importance to the economy, as well as our ability to successfully apply social distancing and hygiene protocols to work sites.

Whilst we appreciate and understand the importance of protecting the health of Queenslanders, we want clarity for our members on why exemptions were granted last time border closure rules were imposed – but not this time around.

To our knowledge, there were no person-to-person transmissions recorded on a Queensland construction site. This shows our industry’s ability to stick to the rules.

So, on behalf of our members we’re actively calling on the Queensland Government to make our industry exempt from the border closures.

New restrictions and how they apply to our industry

A “border zone” has now been established with a map outlining the border zones.

Border zone residents of Queensland:

• Permitted to enter and remain in the border zone within New South Wales; and
• Must quarantine in accordance with the requirements in Part 3 and Schedule 2 if the resident enters a COVID-19 hotspot outside the border zone.

Border zone residents of New South Wales:

• Permitted to enter and remain in the border zone within Queensland; and
• Must not travel outside the border zone within Queensland, unless –
  • They are a construction worker attending a construction site immediately outside the border zone; and
  • They travel by private vehicle to and from the construction site without exiting the vehicle and do not leave the confines of the construction site; and
    • ​Must not enter Queensland if the resident had travelled in a COVID-19 hotspot outside the border zone within the 14 days prior to entering Queensland.

Real-life scenarios for members

Example 1

If a construction worker who lives on the Queensland side of the border zone has work within the NSW side of the border zone, they can still do that work as long as they don’t go outside the NSW border zone.

Example 2

If a construction worker who lives on the Queensland side of the border zone has work to do on a construction site that falls outside of the NSW side of the border zone – they cannot do this work unless they are willing to quarantine for 14 days (in a hotel, at their own expense) on their return

Example 3

If a construction worker who lives on the NSW side of the border zone has work within the Queensland side of the border zone they can still do that work.

Example 4

If a construction worker who lives on the NSW side of the border zone wants to do work on a Queensland construction site that is outside of the Queensland side of the border zone, they can do this work, only if the work is “immediately outside the zone” and they travel by vehicle and do not leave their vehicle or the confines of the construction site.

Example 5

If a construction worker lives in Brisbane (or elsewhere outside of the border zone in Queensland) they can do work in the Queensland part of the border zone, BUT NOT in the NSW part of the border zone. If they do any work in NSW they will have to hotel quarantine for 14 days.

We’re currently working with the Queensland Government on the definitions that are unclear, including the pass process and what is considered an essential activity, and will keep members updated on any changes.

Resources

We're trying to make it easier with loads of resources available:

• Health Disclosure Form (clients) – use this when visiting clients and private premises
• Health Disclosure Form (visitors) – use this form for visitors coming to your site or business
• Notice to supply to clients – use this to confirm for clients you are authorised to attend
• Notice to clients (product selections) – provide this notice to your clients to confirm that they are required to visit suppliers to make product selections as per their building contract
• COVID-19 site sign – use this to educate your workers on the guidelines
• COVID-19 site sign (public) – use this to reinforce to the public and workers on the measures you are taking
• Keep your distance checklist – use this to ensure you are following all the recommendations
• COVID-19 entry authorisation sign – use this for sites without constant supervision of visitors entering at the gate. Visitors can use this as a health self-assessment
• Digital banner (PDF or JPEG) – use this banner in your advertising and newsletters to demonstrate to customers and stakeholders that you are following the COVID-19 rules.
• Display Village Visitors Notice – use this notice in your display home to notify visitors of relevant rules and measures you've implemented.
• COVID-19 cleaning guide & FAQs – use this cleaning guide to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace.

We're here for you

We've got the information you need on:

• Contractual information for site shutdown or program delays
• How to deal contractually with a product delay
• Safety & hygiene practices
• Employment conditions
• Common employment FAQs
• Relief and stimulus packages 
• Mental health and well-being

Help and advice

As usual, our staff are here to help. Whether you've got a question about protecting your business contractually, an employment or a health and safety question, our specialists are here and available to talk you through the options - get in touch.