A CONTRACTOR at the Manilla Water Treatment Plant has spoken out about the "bullshit" permit that allows Victorian workers to cross the border and "put lives at risk".
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The man, who spoke to the Leader on the condition he remain anonymous, claims the Victorian workers are not being tested for COVID-19 and sometimes it's "almost impossible" to socially distance because of the type of work required.
"It's a big stretch of the term 'essential worker', there are contractors in every state," he said.
"The company is tightening the screws now because they're worried people are finding out about it.
"It's all bullshit. It makes me angry because it's putting people's lives at risk and it's against the guidelines on the website [NSW Health]."
Victorian contractors who work for Leed returned to NSW this week to start their three-week on, one-week off shift at the $15 million Tamworth Regional Council project.
The state government has granted them entry to NSW on the grounds they are doing critical work.
Under the approved permit the staff must self-isolate when they are not working, including in Tamworth where the majority of the Victorian workers live.
Oxley Police were alerted and have examined the permits for the workers. Inspector Kylie Chinnery told the Leader their paperwork is all above board.
"I understand the community alarm surrounding this but there's no basis to the rumours they were out the club or out and about what not," she said.
"We've uncovered no actual evidence of that occurring.
"We will continue to monitor that situation, but we've not detected any breaches."
Oxley police started looking into the matter on Wednesday.
"We've found no evidence to support any of the rumours going around," Inspector Chinnery said.
"But in any event, we would encourage any members of the community that have concerns about any breach to report it; report their concerns to authorities and we will make inquiries."
But, the anonymous contractor claims he has seen Snapchat footage of the Victorian workers at the gym in their home state before the outbreak saw it enter stage four lockdown this week.
"I have seen the proof via Snapchat that on their week off from Victoria they are going to the gym and other public places," he said.
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"The Victorians should be tested, go into isolation for two weeks and at the end should be tested again - that's not going to happen.
"We argued for two days before they turned up and nobody would make a decision."
Victoria recorded 471 new COVID-19 cases overnight and all non-essential shops are in lockdown.
Leed project manager Kevin Turner said all Victorian-based workers at Manilla are complying with the requirements of the NSW Border Entry Permits.
"Workers are able to order food and groceries online and these are delivered to their door," he said.
"COVID-19 testing without suspicion is not required."
Mr Turner said the COVID-19 management plan is in-line with government regulations and temperature testing is done for all personnel onsite each day.
All areas are cleaned down, especially high touch areas and social distancing is maintained for all works where possible, he said.
"All workers will remain onsite until further notice, with no travelling to and from Victoria," he said.
"Which is above and beyond the requirements of the current NSW Government regulations which allows essential workers to travel back and forth on a set roster.
"We take COVID-19 extremely serious and will ensure that any personnel presenting with symptoms are isolated and tested immediately."
The Leader approached Tamworth Regional Council for comment and the request was declined.