The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is to work closely with industry and regional stakeholders to monitor the impact of WA border closures on the State’s primary industries and regions.
Under new COVID-19 Emergency Management Act measures, arrivals from interstate will be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days unless exempted.
The Premier, Mark McGowan said exemptions would apply to essential services and workers, including health and emergency services, defence and policing, mining industry workforces, flight crews and the freight of essential goods, via ports and trucks.
“There will also be exemptions granted on compassionate grounds and where people live near border communities,” Mr McGowan said.
“Enforcement of the border restrictions will be rolled out with checkpoint stops and arrival cards,” he said.
“Arrivals will have to show they meet the essential criteria to be granted an exemption.”
He said the new direction would be enforceable by law with penalties of up to $50,000 for individuals who broke the rules.
“We have come to this decision after wide consultation, and to ensure the new border controls do not impact essential services such as our fly-in, fly-out workforce and the delivery of goods and services to our State,” Mr McGowan said.
DPIRD said it was continuing its work to monitor, assess and prepare for the economic implications to primary industries and the regions.
“Agricultural freight is considered an essential good and will be allowed into the State, subject to strict guidelines and quarantine protocols,” DPIRD said.
“The guidelines to monitor and manage these exemptions are being developed and further information will be made available as soon as possible,” the Department said.
