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Border restrictions tightened
Queensland border restrictions are being strengthened from midnight 3 April 2020 to slow the spread of COVID-19.
All workers in the agribusiness and commercial fishing industries will need to apply online for an entry pass and have evidence of employment in Queensland. Your employer is also required to have submitted a health plan.
Without these you will not be allowed to cross into Queensland. Apply for an entry pass.
Agricultural freight and goods transport will also be allowed to cross the border. Workers in heavy vehicles carrying freight or goods (including food) do not have to apply for an entry pass.
More information |
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Changes to drought assistance schemes
Due to COVID-19 impacts there are some changes to the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS) and Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate (EWIR) assistance. If you are a Queensland primary producer applying for either assistance, please lodge your claim electronically as this will help speed up the processing of your claim.
Send scanned claims complete with copies of the relevant tax invoices by email to droughtdeclarations@daf.qld.gov.au.
Producers having trouble getting their paperwork together now have 12 months to apply after the invoice date, an increase from 6 months. This extension will apply to claims lodged from 11 March 2020 when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. This provision will not apply to applications that were late prior to this date.
Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, bee keepers can now access up to two months emergency sugar supply at a time from Hive and Wellness’ Richlands headquarters, up from one month’s supply to help with drought feeding. This will help limit the frequency of visits to the facility and minimise travel.
For further information on drought assistance visit daf.qld.gov.au or call the customer service centre on 13 25 23, or for COVID-19 updates visit qld.gov.au. |
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Air freight assistance
While the COVID-19 response has put constraints on airfreight capacity and cost, the Australian Government is backing Australia’s agriculture and seafood export sectors through a new $110 million initiative to help exporters get their high-quality produce into key overseas markets. Have your say on international freight support measures by completing a short form and sharing your freight requirements.
View the air freight assistance fact sheet for more information. |
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Labour forecast survey
We’re asking all agriculture and grazing businesses to urgently help us understand issues around labour availability by completing the agriculture and grazing labour forecast survey from the Rural Jobs and Skills Alliance. If you’ve already filled in Growcom’s hort survey, there is no need to do this one.
The sooner we understand your needs, the earlier we can help to resolve them. |
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How farmers can stay informed during COVID-19
The Queensland Government is working around the clock to ensure Queenslanders have access to COVID-19 information. To stay informed about the current COVID-19 situation farmers can:
* Visit Queensland Government for the latest updates and alerts
* Visit Business Queensland for latest advice and assistance for agriculture businesses
* Follow us on Facebook @QldAgriculture |
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Workplace Health & Safety
On the land and struggling to navigate workplace health and safety issues amid COVID-19?
Strong horticulture and livestock industries are vital to the health and wellbeing of all Australians and that’s why we’ve put together some practical advice and information to reduce workforce impacts.
More information |
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Business continuity
In partnership with BDO, we’re hosting a series of webinars over the coming weeks to provide you with expert support and lead discussions on the key issues as they unfold. the webinars will provide practical approaches and strategies for your business continuity planning (BCP).
In the second webinar recording you’ll learn how to plan your COVID-19 response strategies if critical business is interrupted, how to track your actions, maintain key contacts and outline your BCP’s purpose, objectives and any legislative or industry requirements. |
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