CALLS for drive-thru COVID-19 tests to be available to truck drivers have been answered by the state government.
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Testing sites across the state have been opened to allow truck drivers to receive testing before crossing state borders.
Sites along several key freight routes have been set up, including at Narrandera and Tarcutta.
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Tamworth's Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) regulator representative Wade Lewis said the decision would help ensure productivity for the industry.
"From our perspective, the most pleasing thing is Transport NSW approached us to work out where the best places to have these testing clinics would be," Mr Lewis said.
"Some states still require mandatory testing from truck drivers before they enter the state and this will now make that process a lot easier.
"In all honesty, this is a really proactive move and we are really thankful they reached out and consulted us on it."
NSW Regional Transport minister Paul Toole said the sites were key to keeping the industry moving.
"After surveying freight drivers on which locations would be most suitable we have established pop-up sites at Narrandera Roadhouse on the Newell Highway and the Tarcutta truck change over area, off the Hume Highway.
"We are working to establish more pop-up testing sites in the coming weeks which will include Western Sydney, north of Sydney, south eastern NSW and the Central West.
"The freight industry has pulled out all the stops during this challenging time to ensure food and household supplies as well as important medical supplies get to where they are needed most - and we want to ensure we are giving them the support they need to keep doing that."
Mr Lewis said the LBRCA believed the new testing sites would offer "peace of mind" to drivers and companies across the state.
"There are still states that need drivers to test before entering and it has been very difficult for people who are asymptomatic to get tested," he said.
"Now these clinics are in place, drivers will no longer need to be showing symptoms to get tested and will be able to have easier access into various states.
"It's a really positive move and we are very grateful to Transport NSW for co-operating with us in making this happen."
The pop-up testing stations at Narrandera and Tarcutta will be open seven days a week from 9am to 4pm with hours of operation to be extended from 31 August.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
