Accommodation providers are wrestling with ongoing uncertainty this week as bookings plummet across the Capes region.
Warren Hately
An increasing number of Augusta-Margaret River Shire residents are bunkering down in their homes this weekend adhering to Government self-isolation guidelines as the COVID-19 crisis worsens.
Senior doctors have taken control of local planning for COVID-19 in the Capes region as frontline personnel prepare for the worst.
Local hospitality venues face bankruptcy after tough social distancing regulations came into effect this week, though operators told the Times their greatest fear was the knock-on effect.
The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has called for all non-residents to immediately leave the region.
Warren Hateley
WA’s Health Department is refusing to disclose the location of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the South West amid numerous claims by residents that the virus has arrived in Margaret River.
WA’s Premier has defended a decision not to intervene when the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship docked in Busselton last fortnight, dispersing travellers on daytrips across the region.
Augusta-Margaret River shire residents are demanding immediate forced State Government travel restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the region.
Wineries and labour hire companies could recruit out-of-work locals to save the Margaret River wine industry in coming months.
The Capes region is under-resourced with personal protection equipment leaving responding St John Ambulance volunteers concerned about their health, according to those on the frontline.
Jackson Lavell-Lee
The Shire council has banded together in a stunning move to free up $2 million to help residents affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Dairy farmer Bob Biddulph acknowledged there had been a visible spike in dairy demand alongside the panic buying eating into many WA supermarkets’ product stocks.
Zach Relph and Cally Dupe
Local authorities say it is too difficult and complex to shut the Augusta-Margaret River shire’s borders and are waiting on further guidance from State and Federal Governments.
The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River is working on potential financial relief options for residents as it prepares to shut down non-essential services later today.
Augusta-Margaret River shire residents are increasingly calling for visitor restrictions to kerb the spread of COVID-19 in the region.
The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River is due to release a statement this morning updating residents about the closure of public amenities and other actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiple days of heavy rain will not delay Margaret River’s main street redevelopment, according to project managers.
Elderly residents have begged the community to show compassion and restraint amid an unprecedented rush on supermarket stocks described as “panic-shopping”.
WA’s top independent doctor says Capes hospitals, including Bunbury’s, are unprepared and inadequately resourced to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Capes politicians have urged residents to reach out to the region’s elderly and disadvantaged residents during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Margaret River Junior Surf Lifesaving Club held its final event for the year last fortnight as a test for future inter-club competitions.
The Capes entertainment and events industry has been wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The State Government remains adamant schools will stay open, but it looks likely the evolving COVID-19 pandemic might undermine those plans.
Tourism operators across the Capes have reported their worst run of cancellations ever, with some saying the WA Government stimulus is needed to help sole traders.
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