dnata (Melbourne) - Further Temporary Shutdown of dnata Cargo Operations due to Biosecurity Response Following Exotic Pest Discovery

In relation to our previous member notice regarding a temporary closure of dnata Cargo Operations at Melbourne Airport due to a biosecurity directive issued by the Department of Health (DoH), Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have been informed by dnata senior management of the further need for another temporary closure on Friday 17 January 2024 from 10:00am to 2:00pm AEDT.

The need for a further closure arises as a result of pest control technicians being unable to complete the required fumigation during the initial closure on Wednesday, 15th January, due to equipment failure. While external areas were treated, less than a quarter of the internal warehouse was covered as the fogging machine broke down. DoH subsequently approved a second closure to ensure the treatment is fully completed and the biosecurity risk is addressed.

Key Details of the Closure:

• Reason for Closure: An exotic mosquito, identified as Aedes aegypti, was detected in a pest control trap at dnata's Melbourne facility. This species is known to spread diseases such as Dengue virus, Yellow Fever, and other viruses.
• Biosecurity Directive: Following the detection, the Department of Health mandated a Thermal Spray Fogging Treatment (fumigation) to be conducted within 24 hours.
• Closure Timing:
• Date: Friday, 17th January 2025
• Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm AEDT
• During this time, access to dnata's security gatehouse, truck yard, and reception will be restricted. Extended opening hours will be available.

Operational Adjustments:

• Evacuation: All personnel, including tenants such as Toll Global Express, must vacate the premises during the treatment process.
• Freight Operations: Dnata has made arrangements to complete freight handling prior to the closure and will resume normal operations after fumigation.
• Extended Opening Hours: To accommodate freight collections or lodgements, dnata will extend its operating hours beyond the standard schedule.
• Extended opening hours :
• Friday, 17th January 2025 2:00am to 9:00am – open for collection or lodge export.
• Friday, 17th January 2025 2:00pm to 8:00pm – open for collection or lodge export.

Recommendations for Members:

Members planning freight activity at dnata's Melbourne facility are advised to coordinate collections or lodgements to occur before 10:00am or after 2:00pm AEDT on Friday 17th January 2025.

For further enquiries, members are encouraged to contact dnata Cargo Operations directly :

• SDM on Duty: 0466 502 007
• Dnata Senior Management: 0481 057 811