Important COVID-19 construction update: construction industry to shut down for two weeks
The decision is due to continued concern about case numbers, transmission risk and reduced compliance.
The immediate shut down action is being taken to reduce movement, minimise transmission and allow for the entire industry to appropriately adapt to the Chief Health Officer Directions, including increasing vaccination rates.
All construction projects in metropolitan Melbourne, the City of Ballarat, the City of Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast Shire and the Mitchell Shire will be closed.
There will be a strictly limited exemption for workers to attend sites to respond to an emergency or perform urgent and essential work to protect health and safety.
An amnesty will be put in place so that a limited number of workers can attend construction sites to shut them down safely.
All government construction projects in metropolitan Melbourne and relevant Local Government Areas will be closed, with no new work to be completed – other than work required to make the site safe and secure.
All sites will be required to demonstrate compliance with Chief Health Officer Directions prior to reopening – including the requirement for workers to show evidence to their employer of having had one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before they return to site on 5 October.
The Government will continue to work with the industry to get as many workers vaccinated as possible – with the priority blitz continuing until Sunday 26 September, including walk-up appointments (without a booking) available at key sites. For more information about priority vaccine access, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine.
A COVID-19 disaster payment is available to help workers unable to earn income due to public health orders, with more information available at servicesaustralia.gov.au.
The Victorian Government will work with stakeholders over coming days to determine the best way for the industry to show full compliance with the Directions.