Resources sector supports Brisbane lockdown

QUEENSLAND'S resources sector is working with the Queensland Government in support of the COVID-19 three-day lockdown announced by the Premier today. 

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the resources sector remained committed to keeping its workers, their families and those Queenslanders living in mining regions safe. 

The resources sector is managing the impact on production as companies cease fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) movements out of Greater Brisbane to regional Queensland during the lockdown. As well, resource companies are ensuring their regional worksites operate under strict COVID-safe plans and are isolating workers who have travelled from Greater Brisbane since January 2 from the local community they work in.

"FIFO workers already on site will be allowed to travel to and from work under strict COVID protocols, which have previously proven to be very effective,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Those Greater Brisbane based workers who have been in the areas identified as being visited by the diagnosed person since 2 January are being immediately tested and isolated until the test results are confirmed.”

The decision by companies to cease FIFO from Greater Brisbane during the three-day lockdown is also in response to concerns from regional centres regarding Brisbane-based workers travelling to those areas during the lockdown period, and as an added precaution, the sector will also resume health checks prior to FIFO workers boarding flights from Brisbane airport to regional centres. 

“QRC has re-confirmed that the resources sector retains its status as an essential industry during the lockdown and the protocols used for workers in previous hotspot declarations will be followed,” Mr Macfarlane said. 

“We will stay in close contact with the government and make any necessary changes required to these protocols. 

“The QRC has asked all workers to immediately operate at a heightened level of COVID awareness, particularly social distancing, hand hygiene and ceasing all non-essential social contact or group gatherings. 

“The resources sector is essential to Queensland’s economy and has demonstrated its resilience these past nine months to keep the lights on, people in work, and the money flowing.

“You can count on us to keep Queenslanders safe and our economy ticking over.” 

More information can be found on the Queensland Government website.

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