<p>Waterfront workers, maritime contractors, agents and maintenance staff, truck and train operators have until tomorrow (Friday, October 27) to lodge an application for access to Australia’s ports with the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DoTARS).</p> <p>From January 1, anyone who requires access to a maritime security zone will need a maritime security identification card (MSIC).</p> <p>Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) chief executive Peter Garske said he was confident the transport industry had responded to DoTARS requirements, regarding MSIC.</p> <p>“There is no reason to believe it will be a significant problem,” he said.</p> <p>However, he suspected there was a range of people who currently access the port network, who would decide “it’s all too hard” and drop wharf work entirely.</p> <p>“I suspect some will be caught out,” he said. “They won’t be aware or understand the importance of this.”</p> <p>Mr Garske named irregular visitors to port facilities, such as livestock transporters, as potential problem points.</p> <p>“That’s part of the difficulty – it’s a transient industry,” he said.</p> <p> The lack of MSIC holders had the potential to compound the shrinking driver pool, he said.</p> <p>“The turnover is quite high as it is,” Mr Garske said. “It’s already a struggle recruiting drivers.” </p> <p>Mr Garske said the QTA, with DoTARS, was working with labour hire companies to inform them of their obligations under the new security arrangements.</p> <br />
