New South Wales COVID Update, 29 July 2021

A little more information on the changes for the construction sector has come through overnight. The authorised workers list has still not been updated – I will email this through to members as soon as it is.

All information regarding the changes is listed on the NSW Government web site.

Greater Sydney restrictions - Construction activity | NSW Government

1. From today, Thursday, 29 July, 2021, the following can occur on construction sites in Greater Sydney:

  • Construction sites in Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool and Parramatta local government areas must stay closed.
  • Work and activities listed below that are considered preparation for construction work at construction sites in all other areas of Greater Sydney may be carried out.
  • Checking or maintaining installations and equipment.
  • Cleaning, waste removal or waste management.
  • Stocktaking or restocking.
  • Delivery of materials or equipment.
  • Servicing or installation of amenities.
  • Relocation on the construction site of plant or equipment.
  • Issuing permits or certificates.
  • Establishing COVID Safe arrangements or procedures.
  • Erecting fencing or hoarding.
  • Inspections, including for:
    • technical reasons, or
    • safety, including work, health and safety, or
    • for valuations or other financial reasons.
  • Removing water.
  • Connecting power, fuel or services.
  • Surveying or marking out.
  • Training required to be carried out on the construction site.

2. From Saturday, 31 July, 2021, the following can occur on construction sites in Greater Sydney:

  • Construction sites in Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool and Parramatta local government areas must stay closed unless emergency work is required.
  • Construction work in all other areas of Greater Sydney may resume. Each site is required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan. This must be completed before works can recommence and a printed copy of your plan must be available for inspection on site.
  • Only one trade team may be in attendance at a site at any given time.
  • Trades may only attend a maximum of 5 different sites each week.
  • Masks must be worn at all times.
  • Workers must adhere to the 1 person per 4 metre guidelines wherever possible.
  • If you live in the Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool or Parramatta local government areas, you are not authorised to leave the local government area you live in to work at a construction site.

COVID-19 Safety Plan - Construction and Tradespeople | NSW Government

3. Clarity around the construction supply chain businesses and workers has not been updated as yet. All we have is the media release yesterday which is lacking detail. Manufacturing workers that support the construction material supply chain will be able to leave the locked down LGAs to attend work but the details around required COVID tests and any potential restrictions has not been finalised. I will get this information to you as soon as I can.

I hope this gives you a little more clarity in these crazy times.

Stay safe and look after each other,

Melissa Baker
National Industry Development Manager
Australian Glass and Window Association