The West Live: South West expects influx of city tourists

Traffic on the State’s regional roads is expected to swell across the weekend as West Australians look to capitalise on the lifting of nine intrastate borders as part of COVID-19 restrictions eased earlier this week.

Thirteen intrastate borders collapsed into four on Monday, with Perth residents now allowed to travel within the Great Southern, South West and Wheatbelt.

On The West Live this morning, host Jenna Clarke will be speaking to City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley on what the southern city can expect across the weekend and if businesses are ready for an influx of tourists.

He’ll discuss how the local economy — which is dependent on the hospitality and tourism sectors — has been impacted amid the coronavirus

While restrictions have lifted for some regions, as revealed in The West Australian today, there is a united call from across the State demanding the remaining intrastate borders dividing WA are torn down immediately.

Mayors, tourism bosses, health experts and political leaders are pushing for a return to unrestricted travel throughout the State to save hundreds of regional businesses from being sent to the wall.

Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall has told The West Live the North West needed certainty about when it would be permitted to welcome tourists.

Later in the show, Jenna will speak to Veteran West Coast defender Will Schofield about the resumption of the season.

Tune in here at 8.45am.