A new, dedicated heavy vehicle COVID-19 testing site has opened in Goondiwindi.
It’s the fourth temporary site established in Queensland for industry in recent weeks and will be operational seven days a week, 8am to 4pm.
The site is roadtrain accessible, supporting livestock and agricultural industry truck drivers.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the truck-only, COVID-19 test site at the Caltex Goondiwindi was opening to support regional freight drivers in meeting their mandatory testing requirements.
“4Cyte Pathology staff will be there to assist drivers to make it easier and faster for truckies to get tested and keep moving while keeping everyone safe,” said Bailey.
At present there are three heavy-vehicle COVID-19 testing facilities operating seven days a week at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, BP Charlton and Port of Brisbane.
“Since the first facility opened on 30 July, more than 2000 truck drivers have driven through our three heavy-vehicle, driver-testing sites,” Bailey said.
“It’s been fantastic to the see the industry rapidly respond to meet the mandatory testing requirements for freight and logistics drivers coming into and working around Queensland.
“We know a lot has been asked of the industry, with frequent changes being bought in to reflect evolving health advice, so we’re grateful to them and key bodies like the Queensland Trucking Association for their resilience and patience.
Bailey thanked all involved, reserving praise for health professionals who are working tirelessly undertaking testing at these new sites seven days a week.
“Our strong border rules are in place to keep Queenslanders safe, but we are also trying to support the freight industry which keeps our economy moving,” he said.
Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon said the opening of the dedicated truck only testing facility in Goondiwindi would be greatly welcomed by truck drivers.
“This regional freight route is heavily used by the industry and will provide an accessible option for drivers who must comply with the seven-day testing cycle to return into Queensland,” he said.
“This will relieve some pressure on drivers who are experiencing delays at the border due to inconsistent wait times on tests being undertaken in regional NSW.
“We appreciate the response by Transport and Main Roads to get this facility mobilised.
“Our advocacy will continue to achieve more consistent border entry requirements for drivers to keep freight moving around the country.”
The new testing site is situated at the Caltex Goondiwindi, 227 Boundary Road Goondiwindi.