On-Farm COVID Safe Plans

As Victoria responds to coronavirus cases both in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, Gippsland’s agriculture businesses are encouraged to review and take actions reduce the risk of COVID-19.

This is especially important as the region moves towards busy times with harvest and many additional on-farm activities occurring. Businesses are urged to plan ahead for their peak season, which could include reviewing border permit systems to enter Victoria, reviewing on-farm COVID safe plans or training and appointing a COVID marshal.

Get tested
If you have any cold or flu symptoms, get tested for COVID-19. Do not delay.

Symptoms could include fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose and loss or change in sense of smell or taste.

After your test, go home immediately and stay there until you receive results and follow directions of the Victorian Department of Health.  Anyone directed to self-isolate by the Victorian Department of Health must do so immediately.

The Victorian Government is providing a $450 COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment to support workers, including parents and guardians, who are required to self-isolate while waiting for a test result.

The $1500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is a one-off payment to help workers who have been directed to self-isolate or quarantine for 14 days, or care for someone who has been directed to self-isolate or quarantine.

Authorised Provider and Authorised Worker Permit
Many agricultural workers are authorised providers and workers. You can download a permit for yourselves or your workers.

COVID Marshals
COVID Marshals are recommended for on-farm agricultural businesses employing large teams and seasonal workers. COVID Marshals help reduce COVID risk. COVID Marshals are responsible for monitoring a worksite’s compliance with its COVIDSafe Plan and additional industry-specific obligations. They support workers to follow COVIDSafe principles and look for ways to continually improve a business’s COVIDSafe Plan, including entry screening, physical distancing, personal protective equipment (PPE), workplace bubbles, hygiene, cleaning and record-keeping.

COVIDSafe Plan
All Victorian businesses with onsite operations must have a COVIDSafe Plan for each site. You must regularly review your COVIDSafe Plan to ensure it is current and reflects the latest advice.

Victoria/NSW Border Bubble
Because New South Wales (NSW) is deemed an extreme risk zone, residents of the cross-border community local government areas are required to obtain a permit to cross between Victoria and NSW. Residents can apply for a permit at the Service Victoria website and via the Service Victoria app.

Victorian Travel Permits
Victoria has a travel permit system for all travel into Victoria. It’s a traffic light system based on the public health risk. All of New South Wales is designated as extreme risk.

Find out more about Victoria’s travel permit system for travellers coming to Victoria from anywhere in Australia or New Zealand, including exceptions and exemptions.

Vaccination centres
Every Victorian aged 16 years and over is eligible to access a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine at state-run vaccination centres. Use the online booking system or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

You can also get your COVID-19 vaccine through participating doctor's clinics, pharmacies, or community health services.