INDUSTRY RELATED QUESTIONS

STAGE 4 WORKING ARRANGEMENTS UPDATE

 
The Victorian Government has made some considerable progress with regard to BIAV’s industry related questions/affirmations, in relation to COVID stage 4 restrictions. You can see below the questions/affirmations that have been positively responded to. Further below however, remain some of the unanswered questions that we will continue to work through.
 
It is important and indeed compulsory to implement COVID Safe Plans if you intend to operate, and you can operate. These have been provided by the government -

Please make sure to fully comply with these requirements during the six-weeks of stage 4.
 

BIAV QUESTIONS WITH GOVERNMENT ANSWERS

RETAILERS

Working on site is permitted to handle all on-line business with non-contact pick-up of goods. We understand this is allowed.  
Allowed but with enhanced High Risk COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions All Sectors and Retail Trade Goods
 
Fulfilling current orders and taking delivery of already ordered items. Presume allowed. Please confirm.
Allowed but with enhanced High Risk COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions All Sectors and Retail Trade Goods (Contactless Delivery)
 
Products required by safety agencies and businesses that supply essential services. Eg fish (food supply)
Allowed but with enhanced High Risk COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions All Sectors
 
Can a supplier for essential goods/services for Aquaculture / commercial fishing remain open and carry on safe practices? Our understanding is yes. Please confirm.
Allowed but with COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
 
Can a supplier for essential services for water police, Army , Navy etc remain open? Our understanding is yes. Please confirm
Allowed but with enhanced High Risk COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions Manufacturing
 
SERVICE

Service for any emergency or essential service vessels remains allowed. Please confirm.
Allowed but with  COVID Safe Plans. Transport, Postal and Warehousing
 
Vessels currently mid-service should be able to be completed. Please confirm.
Allowed but with COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions Transport, Postal and Warehousing
 
A backlog of service has the potential for a major safety issue after the six-weeks. Servicing should continue.
Allowed but with COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions Transport, Postal and Warehousing
However please note unanswered question 2 below.
 
MARINAS & WORK YARDS

Marina staff and boat owners that must access boats for emergency and essential matters can do so. Please confirm.
Allowed but with COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions Transport, Other Services
 
Marina staff accessing for maintenance / preventative environmental reasons. Presume so. Please confirm.
Allowed but with COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions Transport, Other Services
 
Marinas providing staff for emergency response capability in the event of medical emergency, fire, oil spill, vessel sinking or the like. Please confirm.
Allowed but with COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions Transport, Other Services.
 
Marinas providing  staff for supervision and protection of the vessels stored within the marina.
Allowed but with COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions Transport, Other Services.
 
Fuel services should remain open and supported in the case of emergency and essential services. Please confirm.
Allowed but with COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions Transport, Other Services
 
Boats for sale in marinas and at on-water dealerships need care and attention. They cannot be neglected for weeks. It is assumed that these business operators can attend on-site, work on-line, and protect the boats they are selling. Please confirm.
Allowed but with COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Restrictions Transport, Other Services
 
MANUFACTURING
Does the allowable reference to glass extend to fiberglass and fiberglass built boats? Presume yes. Please confirm.
Allowed but with High Risk COVID Safe Plans. Stage 4 Manufacturing (note 33% reduction compared to peak capacity) Statewide single site only.
 
ADMIN / GENERAL
Can this take place in a sole operator setting?
Not Permitted. Stage 4 Restrictions Administrative and Support Services
 
 
UNANSWERED AT THIS STAGE
The following issues raised have been referred to DHHS and DPJR for clarification and these will be updated to BIAV members as soon as possible.

  1. Why are wholesalers not allowed to operate in an online setting? The same as retailers. This makes no sense.

  2. Vessels that can be delivered and dealt with without person to person contact can be serviced. Please confirm.

  3. How does the building industry gain this advantage of reduced workforce and carry on, on some sites with hundreds of workers, whilst spacious and carefully laid out boat and trailer manufacturers, with an impeccable record, have to close? This seems unfair and even discriminatory. Please advise.

  4. What restrictions are being placed on goods in transit during this six-week period including boats and engines? We presume these processes can be completed or items will be stranded. Please confirm.

  5. We believe that supply chain, transport, towing, delivery etc can take place. We assume therefore that deliveries can be taken, and orders dispatched, in line with the work on-line requirements. Please confirm.

  6. This extends to boats being ordered in from interstate and boats being sent interstate to a new owner or dealership. Please confirm.

  7. Can a national distribution warehouse in Melbourne that supplies the country nationally remain open? We assume yes if person to person contact is limited or nil. Please confirm.


BIAV is developing further questions in relation to transporting items, travel lift usage, manufacturing, servicing and other areas. If you have a question to add to the list please concisely email stevew@biavic.com.au
 

COVID-SAFE PLANNING DOCUMENTS

Please see below the COVIDsafe planning documents that will be applicable for any businesses that are eligible to continue operations.

STAGE 4 BUSINESS SUPPORT

Are you accessing current Business support from Federal and State Government?

 

Business Support Fund - Apply for the new Victorian government financial support package ‘Additional business support announced Monday 3 August’

Business Support Fund - Expansion

  • $10,000 for affected businesses in the Greater Melbourne and Mitchell Shire area

  • $5,000 for affected businesses in Regional Victoria

  • Note: Applications for the program will be extended until 14 September 2020

 

What can you do if you close your business for the 6 weeks during Stage 4 Restrictions?

How do you hibernate or ‘mothball’ your business safely?

Putting Your Business into Hibernation

 

What can you do if you can stay open?

Online operations, click and collect, contactless pickup delivery under stage 4 restrictions.

Guide to Continuing Your Business

Communications