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Return for construction

North East Link Program begins launch shaft construction.

Restrictions on the Victorian construction industry eased from 11.59pm on Monday, 4 October with a Construction Sector Roadmap setting a way forward for the sector to operate inline with Chief Health Officer directions.

The mandatory industry shutdown over Melbourne and other local government areas was enforced on 20 September after concerns the state had seen multiple outbreaks linked to construction sites. 

The Victorian Government said it has worked closely with the industry to develop a plan for reopening the sector based on recommendations laid out by the Health Department. 

Upon return to work, all workers will need to carry an Authorised Work Permit, as well as evidence of having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Every construction site must have a designated and fully trained COVID marshall to ensure compliance with health directions.

The government has said that crib facilities may be used for the consumption of food and drink with strict density requirements and added ventilation.

Up to five workers and a supervisor will be able to work onsite for small-scale construction projects, with large-scale sites able to return to 25 per cent capacity. 

If crib rooms meet best practice and all workforce is fully vaccinated, large scale construction sites can have up to 50 per cent of workers onsite.

The Victorian Government said that subject to continued high levels of compliance by the industry, caps will progressively increase. 

Restrictions will be removed when Victoria reaches its target of 80 per cent of the eligible population double-dosed. 

The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said a huge effort had gone into getting the workforce vaccinated and project sites ready to return to work. 

“This is a challenging time for Victoria, and we are focused on keeping our sites safe – to slow the spread of coronavirus, and continuing to build big for Victoria,” said Allan. 

The Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations Tim Pallas thanked the men and women of the construction sector for working with the government to get vaccinated.

For more information visit the Premier of Victoria’s website. 

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