Covid-19 Update: Tighter Queensland Border RESTRICTIONS

Additional Queensland border crossing restrictions come into force, with permitted exemptions for essential transport services.

On March 31st, the Queensland Government announced it will tighten its restrictions on the movement of people across Queensland borders in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and protect communities.

Transport services by permitted providers - including Distribution Direct - remain operational in order to resupply communities.

Only Queensland residents, residents of border communities undertaking essential activities and those considered an ‘exempt person’ can cross the border.

New restrictions will apply from 12.01 am Saturday 11 April 2020 that will place further restrictions on people who have been to a COVID-19 hotspot in Australia.

These restrictions replace those outlined in the Public Health Directive which applied from 2 April. Permitted exemptions provide for the continuation of essential goods and services for Queenslanders (view link below).

Existing compliance routines for transport and freight vehicles will remain in place to minimise disruption.

Northern Territory Border Restrictions

The NT has also implemented strict border control, banning all non-essential travel into the territory with exemptions for essential freight and supply chain services for food and health, and fly-in fly-out workers if approved by the NT chief health officer.

The borders at the three main highways into the Territory are now being manned by NT police and Defence Force personnel, as are airports and ports.

Darwin to Townsville Routes Operational

As a permitted freight provider, our Darwin to Townsville service which connects to Cairns and Mackay remains operational.

Some delays at border crossings may be experienced, but Distribution Direct’s scheduled routes between Darwin and Townsville, with connections to Townsville Port, Cairns and Mackay remain operational.

We take our responsibility to keep our staff and the communities we support seriously. We’re taking all precautions and follow the safe distancing and operations as outlined by the World Health Organisation and the Qld Department of Transport and Main Roads.

View the full announcement by the Queensland Government here.