‘Hard’ border closure, regional travel restrictions
The State Government has tightened border controls from 11.59PM Sunday. Exemptions include:
- Specialists required for industry or business continuity and maintenance of competitive operation where the service is time-critical
- Persons responsible for critical maintenance or repair of infrastructure
Click here to download the form 'WA Entry - Request for Approval as an Exempt Traveller'
If you have any issues with key specialist employees being denied entry, threatening the continuity of a project, please let me know.
The State Government has also imposed travel restrictions between regions of WA from Midnight tomorrow night. People travelling to and from their workplace, or transporting freight, are exempt. Employees travelling between regions should be provided with documentary proof that they are travelling for work purposes, e.g.
- A signed letter on company letterhead stating they are a contractor or employee, and the reason they are required to travel between regions, including name and location of project/worksite
- A contact number for a person at the company who can verify this information
- Photo ID
The restriction applies to travel between these regions: Perth/Peel (treated as one region); South West; Great Southern; Goldfields-Esperance; Mid-West; Wheatbelt; Gascoyne; and Pilbara
NOTE: Access to the Kimberley (including the entire Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku, and parts of the Shire of East Pilbara encompassing the communities of Jigalong, Martu homeland communities and Kiwirrkurra) have additional stronger restrictions in place.
The State Government will soon be implementing an electronic system ('Good to Go WA'), with individual travel licences being issued to enable authorised persons to travel across State, Regional and LGA boundaries in accordance with their exemptions and any associated quarantine requirements. There will be a bulk upload function for companies to use to load their employees that must travel and are covered by exemptions.
Civil construction to continue operating safely
Premier Mark McGowan has stated clearly that the construction industry will continue to operate despite other restrictions. Mr McGowan added: "Whilst tradesmen and workers within industry, in particular the construction industry, are exempt from the new intrastate travel restrictions, they must remain vigilant with social distancing practices and hygiene on site."
CCF WA has assured Government that our industry can continue to deliver works safely and productively through this crisis. The civil construction industry has historically led the way in implementation of safety management systems and safer work processes, and we’ve adapted quickly to the current situation and implemented tough and effective control measures.
CCF WA is also meeting with representatives of building and construction industry groups and unions. We have agreed to send a united message to government that our industry is responding sensibly to the COVID-19 crisis and is ready to continue operating while keeping our workers safe. We believe it’s important to get on the front foot as an industry and reinforce the message that an active construction industry is critical to the health of the WA economy, and we’re taking that responsibility seriously.
Now it is up to all of us to demonstrate our commitment to keeping civil construction workplaces safe, by adhering closely to infection control measures such as social distancing and hygiene.
Safe Work Australia has published a fact sheet on minimising COVID-19 risk and exposure in the building and construction industry, with practical and relevant advice on social distancing and hygiene in a construction setting, and on consultation and communication with workers.
Pipeline of works
CCF is engaging with State Government infrastructure agencies/corporations seeking more detail on any plans to increase/fast track their capital works programs. With the private sector pipeline already being affected, additional govt works will be welcome.
Government support for businesses and employees
The Federal and State Governments have announced numerous measures providing financial support during this crisis. These measures are detailed at the links below:
Federal Government support
State Government support
Coronavirus information for small business owners from the Small Business Development Corporation