Boondall big rig testing site to boost Qld’s Covid-19 response

Another new, heavy-vehicle driver COVID-19 temporary testing facility will open in Queensland tomorrow to support the freight and supply chain industry.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the new testing site was located at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Melaleuca Drive, Boondall and would be open seven days a week from 8am to 4pm.

"My department has been working closely with ASM Global, operators of the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and 4Cyte Pathology to launch this truck-only COVID-19 testing site,” Mr Bailey said.

“I thank all involved for their commitment, support and rapid response.

"I also thank Queensland Trucking Association and South East Queensland Hauliers for working with Transport and Main Roads to trial site access and arrangements for heavy vehicles to A-Doubles.

“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.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s strong health response has allowed us to deliver an economic recovery plan for Queensland, and this new testing facility will make it easier, and faster for truckies to get tested, keeping everyone safe.

Mr Bailey said the new Brisbane Entertainment Centre location would make a total of three dedicated heavy vehicle drive-through COVID-19 testing facilities, that were open and testing daily.

"We expect to have a fourth truck only site coming soon," he said.

Mandatory testing requirements started on 30 July, with heavy vehicle drivers who entered a declared COVID-19 hotspot or affected area being required to meet testing regimes under the QLD Freight Protocol.

Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government had rapidly responded to support the mandatory testing regime for freight and logistics drivers coming into and working around Queensland.

"Testing will help to keep our essential drivers, their families and the community safe from the spread of COVID-19, mandatory testing continues to be vital to help stop the spread of COVID-19," he said.

"The Palaszczuk Government continues to work with industry to ensure supply chains remain strong, ensuring that freight operators transporting perishable products and livestock can keep supplies flowing across our borders."

ASM Global Chairman and CEO Harvey Lister said they were pleased to help in the effort to keep supply chains strong and goods flowing across our border.

"We are delighted to be able to work with Transport and Main Roads to assist in this critical function at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre to keep Queensland moving,” Mr Lister said.

For more information on the QLD Freight Protocol, visit

Operational protocol for freight movements entering Queensland | Queensland Health

For Freight and Logistics Pass (F Pass) information, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass

To find a testing location near you, visit Testing and fever clinics — coronavirus (COVID-19) | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)

For more information about the Queensland border restrictions, visit Travelling to Queensland | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)

A dedicated hotline, 134 COVID (134 268), has been set up to assist with enquiries.

The site locations:

• The dedicated QML freight and logistics COVID-19 testing site opened on 30 July at the Port of Brisbane, Brisbane Multimodal Terminal.  Hours of operation 6am-5pm
• The BP Charlton heavy vehicle dedicated driver COVID-19 testing facility opened on 6 August at the BP Toowoomba Westbound Truck Stop just west of Toowoomba on the Warrego Highway. Hours of operation Mon-Fri 8am - 4pm and Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
• *New* Brisbane Entertainment Centre heavy vehicle dedicated driver COVID-19 testing facility will open at 8am on 9 August, Melaleuca Drive, Boondall. Hours of operation Mon-Sun  8am to 4pm. 

ENDS

Media contact:

Joe Ogilvie - 0423 184 412