COVID-19: South West leaders Jaysen Miguel, Mick Bennett and Doug Kitchen welcome border reopening date

The South West’s civic leaders say the time is right for the State’s hard border to fall and for WA to open up to the world again. Premier Mark McGowan revealed on Friday that the border restrictions will be removed on March 3, next Thursday, marking the first time travellers can enter the State without quarantine requirements. All international and interstate arrivals will be given a rapid antigen test at Perth Airport and required to report a positive result to WA Health. The number of unvaccinated Australians returning to WA will be capped at 70 per week, and they will be required to spend a week in hotel quarantine at their own expense. Mr McGowan said the new date was “locked in and I can’t foresee a situation where it would change”, after the initial reopening date on February 5 was delayed nearly a month. The move has been welcomed by leaders across the region, including Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel. “The announcement of the border reopening would be welcome news for our community, both for residents and local business owners,” he said. “We have been quite lucky in Bunbury so far to avoid major disruptions and restrictions during the pandemic and a lot of that is thanks to the community doing the right thing. “I would like to remind our community to continue to follow the State Government directions, to stay safe and keep our community safe, to keep choosing respect and kindness and to check in with each other.” Dardanup Shire President Mick Bennett said while the originally planned date in February might have been preferable for many West Aussies, he was pleased to see the State open its borders again. “I think it’s a timely call. The February 5 date might have been more palatable for people and some of us may not like wearing masks but at the end of the day, if there is no change by March 3 we can get the borders open and get on with our lives a little but more than we have been able to,” he said. “The biggest call now is whether people are prepared to travel to Western Australia and have been triple-vaccinated. “I think it is fair to say we’re betting off opening up now while the temperatures are warm and everyone can still get around and be safe.” Meanwhile, Capel Shire president Doug Kitchen said the news brought “a great sense of relief and anticipation”. “Many families and friends will be reuniting with loved ones after a long period separated by public health measures,” he said. “We have a lot to look forward to here in the Shire of Capel, but it will be great to see our South West alive with travellers again, as well as business gaining some certainty and moving forward with easier access to the east coast.”