A temporary class exemption is now in place for freight or logistics operators transporting perishable goods or livestock across the Queensland border, while those drivers are waiting for a negative 7 day COVID-19 test result.

It will provide temporary relief for drivers with loads who are being delayed due to the time it is taking to receive negative results and arriving at the border without a result. This exemption provides a window to get your 7 day negative testing result cycle in motion.

Drivers that meet the conditions of the exemption MUST carry a copy of the exemption (in hard copy or electronic form) as this must be shown on entry to Queensland. Access a copy of the exemption here

What does this mean for livestock carriers?
Livestock transport operators that meet all conditions outlined below are exempt from the requirement of the QLD Freight Protocol to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result received within the 7 days prior to entering Queensland. However, they will still need to provide evidence of a COVID-19 test in the past 7 days.

To be eligible for the exemption, the driver must meet all of these conditions:

1. Operator is delivering perishable goods or livestock.
2. Operator must carry evidence of having a test in past 7 days.
3. Operator must not have left the confines of their vehicle in an Affected Area (as defined in the QLD Freight Protocol) in the 14 days before entering QLD.
4. Operator must carry a copy of this class exemption (electronic or hard copy) at all times.
5. Operator must leave QLD as soon as they have delivered the perishable goods or livestock.
6. Operator who is unable to safely leave QLD (eg due to fatigue requirements) must get a test as soon as reasonably possible after completing the delivery.
7. Operator must strictly comply with all other requirements of the Border Restrictions Direction (No. 31) or successors, the QLD Freight Protocol and all relevant Public Health Directions, once in QLD.

Freight or logistics operators who meet all of the conditions above DO NOT have to obtain a Queensland Border Declaration Pass or Queensland Travel Declaration until 1:00am AEST Monday 9 August 2021 (or otherwise advised).

How long is the exemption in place for?
This exemption is valid until 1:00am AEST Monday 9 August 2021 unless amended or revoked.