Facemasks in Victoria
From 11:59pm Sunday 22 November, there are changes to the rules around the wearing of face masks.
Visit the DHHS website for a more detailed list of updates relating to masks in Victoria.
There are a number of significant changes to the COVID Safe requirements for seasonal horticulture workplaces for you to be aware of. Effectively, in the context of continuing zero COVID case days, the Additional Obligations Directions and Workplace Directions have been wound back significantly.
Two new Workplace Directions were issued and became effective on 22 November 11.59 pm – Additional Obligations No 13 and Workplace Directions No 10.
The new Workplace Additional Obligations Directions No 13 replaces the previous Directions:
While seasonal horticulture businesses do not have to have a 'seasonal horticulture worker COVIDSafe Plan', all businesses must have a COVID safe plan in place that addresses the COVID related risks of the business and the requirements of the Additional Obligations Directions.
DHHS may still look to undertake some voluntary surveillance testing of seasonal horticulture farms. We are seeking some further information on this.
The Department of Transport (DoT) is inviting your organisation to take part in the Principal Freight Network (PFN) Review 2020. The PFN is the strategic network of places and connecting corridors that enable the efficient, safe and economic movement of freight in Victoria. It identifies the strategic places and transport corridors where freight of significant quantity, value or importance is generated, stored, and distributed.
The PFN will enable the future growth of the freight task on the Victorian transport network by:
Follow the link below to provide feedback by Friday 18 December 2020 on the PFN maps, including amendments proposed, prior to the release of an updated PFN in early 2021. Material to support you as you provide feedback is available on the Get Involved web page, including a Project Fact Sheet and FAQs. You will be directed to provide your feedback on the interactive map of the PFN through Social PinPoint.
Victoria has opted into the above program, however, no decision from Victoria (specifically DHHS) on the best quarantine pathway for workers coming in has been decided.
Even though a decision has not been made, we urge you to register your interest with an Approved Employer to confirm your interest in bringing in workers.
A list of Approved Employers is available here and includes a mix of growers and labour hire providers. Growers who are not Approved Employers can contact Connect Group and MADEC who will take EOIs from new clients who are able to commit to upfront workers costs. Please email: The Connect Group
There is also a Seasonal Worker Regional Pilot program that is being run in the Goulburn Valley, assisting smaller growers to meet harvest needs, attached is the relevant flyer. You can also discuss your needs or questions with Miki Wilson who is the Regional Coordinator on (03) 54305601 or Mobile 0407 611 044.
and return it to: VCA Secretary, PO Box 612, Mooroopna, 3629
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