TMR and Queensland Health open dedicated drive-through trucking test site

A dedicated drive-through Covid testing site for truckies in Toowoomba will ensure shop shelves remain full and that farmers and producers can get their stock to market.

A second Covid testing facility for truck drivers is open at the BP in Charlton.

This temporary testing facility near Toowoomba will support freight and logistics drivers crossing Queensland’s border.

It comes after Queensland Health opened a drive-through facility at the Port of Brisbane which opened on July 30.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the temporary testing sites were needed to support the mandatory testing regime that came into effect on 30 July for freight and logistics drivers coming into Queensland and working around the state.

“Mandatory testing is vital to help stop the potential spread of COVID-19 and keep essential drivers, their families and their colleagues safe,” Mr Bailey said.

“These are challenging times for everyone and the freight industry has continued to step up to meet the additional requirements that have been asked of them since the pandemic began.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has worked with QML Pathology, Queensland Health, the BP at Charlton and the Port of Brisbane Authority to provide truck-only, accessible, testing facilities.

“The heavy vehicle industry ensures shop shelves remain stocked and lifesaving vaccines reach their destination, so I thank them for continuing to work with us to keep supply chains strong and goods flowing across our border,” Mr Bailey said.