THE Victorian Government has released its roadmap for re-opening the state’s economy as part of a phased withdrawal from the Stage 3 and 4 restrictions that have been in place across Victoria for the past five weeks.
“For the freight and logistics industry, the roadmap is remarkably like what the industry has followed all along, in consideration that as an essential service, transport has continued unabated, albeit with businesses having to trade with a COVIDSafe Plan,” VTA CEO Peter Anderson said.
The roadmap confirmed transport operators can continue to remain open with a COVIDSafe Plan, which is consistent with VTA advocacy in consultations leading up to the announcements for no changes to freight. This is to ensure the transport industry can support supply chains during the transition and ensure Victorian consumers have access to essential goods.
“The extension of restrictions on retail, hospitality and many other sectors of the economy will be extremely difficult for these businesses to bear. All these businesses are consumers of freight, logistics and transport, and many are customers of our members,” Mr Anderson said.
“To help them through this difficult time, it is essential we support them as best we can by providing them with the reliable and efficient transport services they will continue to need to best service their customers.”
In advising the government on re-opening the economy, the VTA has recommended curfew exemptions on heavy vehicles be extended beyond 21 September, when the temporary change to the Road Safety Act is due to expire.
“We will continue to advocate for this extension so that our industry can service its customers and consumers as we progress through the steps towards the economy re-opening.
“We will also advocate for the Victorian government to provide additional financial support and relief to businesses that have had longer restrictions forced upon them through no fault of their own,” Mr Anderson said.
