The West Australian border will be subject to new, strict W.A border controls in coming days, and Rottnest Island may be set-up as a quarantine zone, Premier Mark McGowan has announced. Mr McGowan said entry to WA would be restricted via road, rail, air and sea from 1.30pm on Tuesday, with exemptions for essential services and trucking.
The full statement:
“We’ve just announced Western Australia will implement new restrictions and arrival requirements to travel to Western Australia from other Australian States and Territories in response to COVID-19.
We have come to this decision after wide consultation, and to ensure the new border controls do not impact essential services, essential workers and the delivery of goods and services to our State.
From 1.30pm on Tuesday, 24 March, Western Australia will implement strict border controls for all access points – by road, rail, air and sea.
Unless exempted, arrivals from interstate WILL be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.
This will be enacted through a formal declaration under the Emergency Management Act.
Exemptions will apply to essential services and essential workers, including health and emergency services, defence and policing, mining industry workforces, flight crews and freight of essential goods, via ports and trucks – with strict guidelines in place to monitor and manage this.
There will also be exemptions granted on compassionate grounds and where people live near border communities.
Arrivals will have to show they meet the essential arrival criteria to be granted an exemption.
Enforcement of the border restrictions will be rolled out with checkpoint stops.
This new direction will be enforceable by law with penalties of up to $50,000 for individuals.
These new border controls are all about reducing the spread of COVID-19 in WA..”
Click here for Premier Mark McGowan’s facebook page.
Click here to read the article by The West.
If you’ve put your plans are put on hold, please make more plans to visit the region when there’s more certainty. You’ll need it, local communities will need it, and we’ll all benefit. If you need some inspiration and planning help while you wait, order a copy of our book.
