14 April 2020 / COVID-19

QLD Border Restrictions

As you are likely aware there has been some recent significant changes to QLD border restrictions.

Below is intended as a general update. Please forward to anyone who needs this information and contact me if you have any questions.

General information

  • A QLD resident is a person who ordinally resides in QLD (as evidenced by a drivers’ licence or other ID)
  • All QLD residents moving between QLD and other states require a border pass on re-entry to QLD: https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass
  • This applies to people both flying in and driving in, as well as border community residents
  • As QLD Government defines construction work as essential, QLD residents undertaking construction work are allowed to travel interstate (including hotspots) and will not have to self-isolate on re-entry to QLD. More info on this below.
  • Virgin Australia has grounded all domestic flights (except one SYD-MEL route). If you had flights booked with Virgin, CTM will be in touch to discuss options
  • The attached documents have been updated and supersede all other versions
  • You should avoid travel if possible. If you cannot avoid travelling, please read on and prepare yourself for working from home in QLD on re-entry (as a precaution only)

QLD residents leaving QLD for construction work purposes

  • Construction work in NSW/VIC
    • These states’ borders are open.
    • You may still be asked what you are doing in the state on arrival into the airport / if pulled up by Police so it’s important to be carrying a letter (template attached) as evidence.
  • Construction work in NT/TAS/ACT/WA
    • These states/territories’ borders are restricted.
    • Construction workers should be able to enter without being asked to self-isolate, but each state has different requirements for providing evidence of this.
    • Please contact me to discuss your options further.

QLD residents returning to QLD after being in another state for construction work purposes

  • QLD residents who have been in another state for construction work purposes should not have to self-isolate for 14 days on entry back into QLD, as construction is defined by QLD as essential work.
  • On re-entry, you must be carrying a:
    • QLD Border Pass (filled out shortly before re-entry so the information provided is accurate)
  • It is important that you are also carrying the attached with you on re-entry to QLD (either flying/driving in):
    • Hutchinson Builders’ letter (filled out with relevant information about your travels)
    • Hutchinson Builders’ Health Plan (filled out with relevant details. Note: only fill in the grey highlighted fields. If you need any amendments made to this plan based on another state or territory’s requirements, please contact me first)
    • Hutchinson Builders’ COVID-19 Plan (latest version available on Toolbox here)
  • The above extra documentation (besides the Border Pass) is precautionary and to be carried in case QLD Police request it on your re-entry.
  • The purpose of doing this is to avoid being forced to self-isolate for 14 days as you were in another state carrying out essential construction work.
  • If you develop symptoms, do not come to work and immediately seek medical assessment.

QLD residents flying within QLD for construction work purposes

  • As you are not travelling to another state, the above should not apply
  • However, as a precaution, you should be carrying the above documents (Letter, Health Plan and HB COVID-19 Plan) as evidence in case you are pulled up by QLD Police

Advice regarding Queensland Government declared hotspots

  • The QLD Government has now published a list of areas it considers ‘COVID-19 hotspots’ here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/hotspots-covid-19
  • However, as QLD Government defines construction work as essential, QLD residents undertaking construction work are allowed to travel to hotspots and will not have to self-isolate on re-entry (as per above)
  • This is not recommended. If travel to hotspots cannot be avoided, you should prepare yourself for having to work from home on return to QLD. For example, this could mean ensuring you have a computer set up at home that is connected to Hutchies’ network before you leave QLD. This is purely a precaution in case you develop symptoms or something changes whilst you are interstate and you are then required to self-isolate.

Please contact Tabi Ward if you have any questions.

Other Recent Activities

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16 February / COVID-19
[UPDATED] Victorian COVID-19 Management Plan & Documentation (Version 9)

Dear All,

Today the updated COVID-19 Guidelines for the Building and Construction Industry Revision 10 was released.

I have made the appropriate changes to the Victorian COVID-19 Management Plans and have attached it to this email along with the following:

  • Updated Appendix 01 – Self Assessment Flow Chart
  • COVID-19 Guidelines for the Building and Construction Industry Revision 10
  • Explanatory note of changes

*Changes have also been made to the sign in devices to include the updated daily COVID Declaration.

Please ensure that you print our updated COVID-19 Management Plan and have all team members on site sign and acknowledge as we have done with all previous 8 versions. I also ask that you add the amendments as a subject in pre-starts and or toolboxes on your next working day.

Do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or if I can be of assistance to you.

Regards,

Candece Frazzica-Kara
HSE Manager (VIC)

Mobile 0411 022 839
Email Candece.Frazzica-Kara@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au 

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10 February / COVID-19
VIC Contact Tracing Alert

Latest info & COVID-19 case locations in VIC

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 10 February 2021

Please take the time to review the latest location list below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to be tested.

Check the VIC Government website daily for updated exposure sites.

Anyone who has visited these Tier 1 exposure
sites during these times must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19)
test, and remain isolated for 14 days.

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10 February / COVID-19
Travel for Work

Updated Guidance for Hutchies’ People

With interstate border restrictions continuing to vary as coronavirus outbreaks occur in various part of the country, Hutchies has updated its advice for anyone intending to travel during 2021. This approach is to ensure Hutchies’ people and workplaces are kept as safe as possible.

In the first instance, Hutchies’ people should always follow any State or Territory Directions in place at the time. A summary of current status and useful links can be found on Hutchies’ Toolbox. 

When borders are open and travel is unrestricted, please carefully consider the following prior to making any bookings:

  • Is the travel absolutely essential?  
  • Can the reason for travel instead be facilitated via video conference?
  • Do I need to be physically present for works to progress?
  • Can the outcome be achieved in any other way? 

Work-related travel must be minimised to the greatest extent possible for the foreseeable future. This is especially important given ongoing changes to border restrictions and the risk of further outbreaks – particularly with the highly-contagious new strains of COVID-19.

All travel bookings continue to be monitored. There may be instances where more information is requested about reasons for travel. You may also be asked to get tested after travelling depending on the status of outbreaks.

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8 February / Public Holiday
Royal Hobart Regatta

Monday 8 February 2021 (TAS only)

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4 February / COVID-19
New Victorian Restrictions

Late last night Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews held a press conference as a result of a new potential community transmission case.

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies. 

New restrictions from 11.59pm Wednesday (last night):

  • Reinstate the New Years Eve / Black Rock settings
  • Private gatherings have been limited to 15 people
  • Masks are mandatory in indoor settings
  • The plan to bring back 75% of workers to offices is now paused

Other notes about the case:

  • Worker working in the Australian Open Quarantine Program
  • Now in health hotel and household contacts have been isolated
  • Lasted worked 29 January at the Grand Hyatt, was tested recently with negative results, but developed symptoms
  • 500 Australian Open players and staff have been classed as casual contacts of the worker
  • Still investigating the source of infection, but due to the new strain, being extra precautious
  • New list of exposure sites below – anyone who has been at an exposure site during the time frame, must get tested and isolate for 14 days

Exposure Sites

Anyone who has been at an exposure site listed during the time frame, must get tested and isolate for 14 days:

  • Club Noble in Noble Park from 2:36pm — 3:30pm on January 30
  • Aces Sporting Club (Driving Range) in Keysborough from 10:00pm — 11:15pm on January 30
  • Northpoint Café in Brighton from 8:10am — 9:30am on January 31
  • Kmart in Keysborough from 4:00pm — 5:00pm on January 31
  • Kmart in Brandon Park from 4:35pm — 5:10pm on January 31
  • Coles in Springvale from 5:00pm — 6:00pm on January 31
  • Bunnings in Springvale from 11:30am — 12:15pm on February 1
  • Golf Academy in Heatherton from 5:19pm — 6:30pm on February 1
  • Lululemon, DFO in Moorabbin from 5:00pm — 5:45pm on January 29
  • Woolworths in Springvale from 6.30pm — 7.30pm on January 29
  • Nakama Workshop in Clayton South from 11:15am — 12:00pm on February 1
  • Sharetea in Springvale from 6:45pm — 7:30pm on February 1
  • Kebab Kingz in West Melbourne from 11:24pm — 00:15am on February 1
  • Exford Hotel in Melbourne from 11:00pm — 11:35pm on February 1
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29 January / Quality Alert
Waterproofing External Areas Continual Improvement

A new alert has been published detailing incorrect construction falls and expansion joints in wet areas. Please ensure your review the alert and implement all necessary measures to maintain compliance.

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27 January / Update
Building Quality / Guidance to ensure compliance with NCC & AS

Hutchies has a range of templates and resources on the Document Library to assist with high quality building outcomes. They provide guidance on critical areas of focus that can be used in all states to ensure compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards (AS).

This includes government fact sheets on specific areas regulators are focused on currently during inspections - they are useful on all works nationally.

Please familiarise yourself with these tools and apply them to our projects.

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21 January / COVID-19
Greater Brisbane Update

Restrictions easing from 1am Friday 22 January

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies. 

As there has been no community transmission for a continuous period of 14 days, restrictions for those in Greater Brisbane will be eased as of 1am tomorrow (Friday) morning. 

Restrictions will revert to those in place in December. In summary:

> Masks will no longer be mandatory anywhere, except in airports and on flights. Masks are still encouraged in any situations where physical distancing is not possible

> Gatherings increased to 50 in homes and 100 in public spaces

> Weddings and funerals will be allowed up to 200 people

> Standing up as well as dancing will be allowed across all venues and events so long as they follow the one person per 2m2 rule

> 100% capacity will be allowed at allocated seating venues (such as stadiums)

Please continue to remain vigilant and get tested when symptoms occur.

For more information, check out the updated Queensland Roadmap:

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26 January / Public Holiday
Australia Day Holiday

National public holiday for Australia Day (Tuesday 26 January)

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