Two new freight-friendly COVID-19 testing sites are opening along key routes in Western NSW to further support the industry and keep drivers COVID-safe.
Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the new pop-up sites at Dubbo and Raglan brings the number of freight testing sites across the state to 11.
“More than 70,000 tests have been carried out across all our testing sites since we opened the first one at Tarcutta more than 12 months ago, and in the last two months alone, we’ve seen a 228 per cent increase in the number of tests carried out at these sites,” Mr Toole said.
“These testing sites have proven invaluable in helping the freight industry meet the challenges of the Delta strain – and make it easier for truckies and other freight workers to get tested and keep essential supplies moving across NSW and interstate.
The new site at the Blackbutt Rest Area, northbound, Newell Highway in Dubbo will open at 7am on Monday, September 13.
The Raglan site, which will suit those travelling between Sydney and the Central West, is set to open in the coming weeks at the Raglan BP Service Centre, 39 Sydney Road.
The new sites will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to meet their testing requirements and get back on the road.
Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the Dubbo site would prove a vital measure in keeping our freight industry COVID-safe and the supply chain moving because of its central location.
“We know Dubbo is a significant key junction between the Newell, Mitchell, and Golden highways, as well as being served by the Main West Rail Line,” Mr Saunders said.
“It’s great we’ve been able to work closely with the freight industry to roll out these sites where they’re needed most.”
Following feedback from industry, the proposed Hunter Expressway testing site has been moved to the northwest bound Branxton rest area, which will better accommodate freight accessing the Hunter Expressway from John Renshaw Drive.
Freight testing locations:
• Dubbo, Blackbutt rest area, Newell Highway northbound (new)
From Monday, September 13, assisted testing by pathology staff between 6am – 9pm 7 days a week with telehealth after hours
• Raglan BP Service Centre, 39 Sydney Road (new)
From the week of Monday, September 20, assisted testing by pathology staff between 6am – 9pm 7 days a week with telehealth after hours
• Branxton rest area, northbound, Hunter Expressway (new location)
Assisted testing by pathology staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Marulan BP Service Centre, southbound, Hume Highway
Assisted testing by pathology staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Ballina BP Travel Centre, 41 Bruxner Highway, off the Pacific Highway
Assisted testing by pathology staff hours a day, 7 days a week
• Yass Ampol Service Centre, 1715 Yass Valley Way, off the Hume Highway
Assisted testing by pathology staff hours a day, 7 days a week
• Taree Service Centre, Pacific Highway
Assisted testing by pathology staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Narrabarba rest area southbound, Princes Highway
Telehealth is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Forbes Caltex Service Centre, Newell Highway
Assisted testing on weekdays, with telehealth in place at night and on weekends.
• Narrandera Roadhouse, Newell Highway
Assisted testing by pathology staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Tarcutta truck change-over yard, Sydney Street, off Hume Highway
Assisted testing by pathology staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
