Published on Friday, 27 March 2020 at 3:26:55 PM
Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington is asking anyone who is currently holidaying in Albany to return home urgently before regional borders close next week. And anyone who had plans to holiday or visit Albany for non-essential reasons should postpone.
The State Government announced today that travel between WA regions will be restricted from midnight on Tuesday, 31st March.
Mayor Wellington said it was difficult to turn visitors away but in the current situation it was necessary as the safety and wellbeing of our community was priority.
“We’re urging travellers to return to their principal place of residence now,” he said. “We understand some people like backpackers or travellers who are already here may be legitimately stranded and if they have nowhere else to go, they’re welcome to stay in our community.
“But anyone who has a principal place of residence elsewhere and can get there before the regional borders within WA close, they need to leave now.”
Mayor Wellington welcomed the border closure and said while it was difficult to ask people to cancel holidays, regional health resources were not set-up to cater for an influx of people.
“Albany is an incredible place to visit and it will still be here when this crisis is over, and we will welcome you back, but for now we ask that intrastate visitors listen to the advice of the State Government and return home to protect themselves and everyone else.”
With many local businesses relying on the visitation over Easter, Mayor Wellington said Council was well aware of the hardship many were facing and as a first step had delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to defer, discount and or suspend fees, charges and licensing or leasing fees.
“Our staff will be working with anyone experiencing hardship to make arrangements around their fees and charges, leases or rates on a case-by-case basis,” he said.
“We will work collaboratively with other key agencies and relevant organisations to support the community and implement more measures that support our local economy, businesses and people.
“Officers are working on a range of budgeting scenarios that will focus on efficiencies and cost reductions wherever possible to put Council in a strong position to make decisions that will help our community,” he said.
Back to All News