QLD leads way on lifting truck curfews to combat supply shortages

The Queensland Government today announced it will permit 24 hour deliveries to retail premises for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, making it the first state to do so.

In a decisive move applauded by industry, the State Government confirmed it will legislate to override current curfews on overnight deliveries by local councils to ensure communities have access to essential supplies amid a buying frenzy at supermarkets now seen worldwide.

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has congratulated the Queensland Government for taking the lead on helping keep the supply chain moving to meet demand and called on other state and territory governments to immediately follow suit.

“The Queensland Government should be applauded for taking this decisive step, which will support the logistics sector and local communities in the face of this unprecedented situation,” said ALC CEO Kirk Coningham.

“As ALC has emphasised in discussions with both the Minster for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews and the Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton, one of the biggest challenges to keeping supermarkets and other retail stores stocked in this period is the ability to physically get goods to consumers,” he said.

“The most effective way to overcome instances of panic buying is to reassure the Australian community about the availability of essential day-to-day items, and the best way to provide that reassurance is to make certain products are on shelves when consumers need them."

Coningham explained that curfews on delivery vehicles imposed by local governments had been inhibiting that outcome, said the Queensland Government’s decisive action is a welcome recognition that the logistics sector must be supported in its efforts to get goods to consumers during such extraordinary times.

“ALC calls on other state and territory governments to immediately match Queensland’s commitment today and legislate to override delivery vehicle curfews for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis,” he continued.

“Taking strong action now will allow logistics companies to get grocery items and other goods to consumers more quickly, providing reassurance to consumers that stock is available.”