Reopened border vital: MP

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam says the WA Government must commit to a plan for reopening the South West border to save the region’s economy.

Yesterday, the Liberal MP said expanded testing across the region and the improved resources for Capes hospitals made it viable to plan for easing of travel restrictions.

“While it has been necessary, and the community understands the reasoning, we now need a plan to open our intrastate border, given the low rates of reported cases, otherwise a major health crisis will become a major economic crisis as well,” she said.

“Given our schools have been given the green light to open next week, it is only reasonable we look at what measures can be undertaken to support the opening of the South West region and its economy while maintaining the health of the community.”

Although many local businesses supported the intrastate lockdown, operators this week said shops that were still open needed a lifeline before some closed permanently.

Shire of Augusta-Margaret River president Ian Earl said the economic consequences of COVID-19 could be felt for years.

“Right at the moment, it’s pretty catastrophic,” he said.

“I am very concerned about where we will be as a major tourism destination come Christmas time.”

He also believed without a border relaxation soon, some operators would go out of business permanently.

Accommodation providers hoped regional lockdowns would be relaxed next month to allow Perth travellers to visit, with WA’s shut borders containing the virus.