Pilbara Tourism Association backs State Government border closure support package for affected tour operators

The Pilbara’s top tourism body has backed a multi-million relief package to soften the impact of the WA Government’s recent border backflip as the region’s tourism season fast approaches. Premier Mark McGowan on Thursday announced a $77 million safe transition industry support package to support businesses in the education, tourism, aviation and events sectors affected by the decision to delay WA’s slated border reopening on February 5. Tourism operators can apply for up to $50,000 to recover losses from the refunded deposits of cancelled interstate and international bookings, or up to $20,000 to offset expenses paid in preparation for the scheduled border reopening. Pilbara Tourism Association president Barry Harrison said the package was reasonable. “Some of the bigger businesses we have as members may not qualify under the threshold,” he said. “All in all it’s a great support for the tourism industry, which is being hit quite hard with all the COVID-19 restrictions that are in place.” Mr Harrison said local operators were reasonably happy with the support packages. He said businesses that had lost forward bookings would be buoyed by the fact that there was a little bit of support available. Kimberley Experiences Group managing director Michael McConachy, who operates scenic flights out of Kununurra and Karratha, said while the financial support would deliver some short-term relief, a firm border reopening date was needed as soon a possible for the industry’s long-term survival. “Financial support for the tourism industry will certainly assist some businesses survive in the short-term and is well received, however, the most important feedback at this stage is certainty of when borders will open for business planning purposes,” he said. “There does appear to be positive signs from the Government that we will have more clarity over border openings soon and I am hopeful it will be open for the start of the Kimberley tourism season.” Premier Mark McGowan said the programs were designed to support businesses’ cash flow and partially offset some additional costs or lost revenues in these sectors.