By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on April 2, 2020
WA RESIDENTS trying to cross regional borders face being slapped with a $50,000 fine if they do not comply with new COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Premier Mark McGowan announced last Friday that as of 12am April 1, the borders of each of WA’s nine regions were shut off to non-essential travel.
WA Police have the power to enforce these restrictions by issuing fines of up to $50,000.
Exemptions apply for people travelling for employment purposes; medical or veterinary reasons; delivery of essential services including health or emergency services; people living across regional boundaries who may not have access to groceries or supplies immediately within their region; transport of goods; compassionate grounds; a family member has primary care responsibilities; for school, TAFE or tertiary study reasons; to escape domestic violence or due to an emergency.
The Perth and Peel regions have combined as one region and the other eight regions are the South West, Great Southern, Goldfields-Esperance, Mid West, Wheatbelt, Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley.
“Everyone has a responsibility to do the right thing and we expect all Western Australians to heed the message,” Mr McGowan said.
“However, police will enforce the law to those who choose to ignore it.
“My message to Western Australians is this – stay home, do not travel within WA, and please continue to observe the social distancing rules.”
