SOUTH Australia’s transition committee will consider a new COVID-19 management plan to enable business continuity in the Green Triangle forestry sector but health will drive the state’s response, Premier Steven Marshall says.
As Victoria coronavirus cases remain at record highs, Green Triangle forestry leaders are seeking assurances any future disease mitigation measures will enable the industry to continue to operate.
During his visit to the region, Mr Marshall met with representatives from the forestry sector and discussed a newly-released draft document of COVID-19 recommended practices.
The document, released by the Green Triangle Forestry Industries Hub, outlines general protocols to manage the risk of COVID-19 transmission, including hygiene practices, individual travel to work sites and implementing processes for managing a positive COVID-19 detection in the workplace.
Mr Marshall praised the hub for what he described as a “very sensible COVID management plan” and hoped to provide a response next week, stressing the importance of retaining jobs in South Australia.
The state leader acknowledged the “extraordinarily tough” impact the pandemic has had on the forest and timber industries, but said it was imperative to consider the health impacts as a priority.
“It is a really difficult time for everybody and we are not wanting to unnecessarily disadvantage any sector, but our primary responsibility has got to be keeping COVID-19 at bay,” he said.
“When we look across the border, we see what is happening in Victoria with more than 3500 new cases in a week.
“We do not want the lock downs or restrictions they have in Melbourne come to Adelaide or broader regional South Australia.
“That would be a disaster for employment.”
Green Triangle Forestry Industries Hub acting chair Ian McDonnell said up to 250 people were required to cross the border each day to support the supply chain.
Mr McDonnell said the sector was unique due to the isolated nature of the work, with no known transmission or infection of COVID-19 for any forestry workers in any forest companies in Australia.
“The isolated nature of our work tasks mean social distancing requirements are already met on a daily basis,” Mr McDonnell said.
“GPS vehicle tracking means the sector can ensure staff are at all times abiding by the stringent rules.”
Mr McDonnell said a hard border lockdown would be devastating to the forestry sector and wider community.
“Cutting off wood flow will ultimately cut off jobs,” he said.
Mr Marshall did not rule out further restrictions this week.
“What we have tried to do is put restrictions in place commensurate with the increasing risk, so as the risk increases, the restrictions need to increase,” he
said.
“I think that everybody can appreciate there have been additional risks identified in the past three or four weeks with the high numbers out of Victoria.
“We agonise over putting more restrictions in place because we know it affects businesses, families, individuals – it really affects their lives and we are not wanting to do that.
“But, we have to sometimes put those restrictions in place so we can avoid even heavy restrictions down the track.”
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell warned a hard border lockdown would have a significant impact on the region.
He said although the safety of the community was paramount, cases should be assessed on an individual basis.
“Hundreds if not thousands of jobs in our community are dependent upon the movement of freight into and out of our region,” he said.
Mr Bell also raised concerns about management and planning for the upcoming fire season and said it was crucial for resources to quickly mobilise in response to an incident.
