Rockingham and Kwinana cancel host of events

As the coronavirus pandemic takes hold, events across the cities of Kwinana and Rockingham are being scrapped, taking a severe toll on the local economies. On the day the Federal Government’s ban on events with more than 500 people came into effect, the City of Kwinana announced the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Youth Festival, set to be held on Saturday, as well as all other large-scale events. In Rockingham, the City has cancelled events including the International Food Festival which was meant to be held this Friday, Sunday’s Community Breakfast Ride and Performance in the Park, which was scheduled for March 28. The Federal Government today announced a ban on indoor gatherings of more than 100 people. Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said the City had prepared a pandemic plan and a business continuity plan to ensure essential services including rubbish pick up, customer service, City Assist services and park and reserve maintenance would continue. “We ask residents to continue to go about their ordinary business and to be alert but not alarmed,” Mrs Adams said. “Now is also the time to support those in our community who may be isolated and in need of a helping hand. “This includes our elderly, our vulnerable and those who are not as mobile and face obstacles undertaking tasks such as attending shops to buy their essential items. “If you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour, please remember to check on them ... and provide them with assistance if needed.” Mrs Adams said the City was closely monitoring the risk and seeking guidance from State and Federal Health Departments. “If the situation changes, the City will be advised by the Department of Health and will provide community members with timely advice on what to do,” she said. City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said public safety was by far the highest priority, but the City was very disappointed the events had to be cancelled. “The advice we have from the WA Health Department is very clear, so the tough decision had to be made,” he said. “It’s unfortunate, because the City works very hard throughout the year to develop and present a program of engaging community activities and we are disappointed that we aren’t able to proceed with the next few events on our calendar. “We are liaising very closely with the WA Department of Health and as soon as it is safe to resume our events calendar, we will be back with more interesting and engaging activities for our community.” He said at this point there were no plans to reschedule the delayed events. Events organised by community groups have also been delayed, including the Coastal Connections Challenge run through CSBP, Perth NRM, Millennium Kids and the City of Kwinana and Rockingham, which was meant to run from March 27 to 28. A small business event called 5 Petals Homebased Expo, set for March 29, has also been postponed. Organisers from each of these events have said they plan to reschedule them for later in the year. The Bertram Fair, which was also scheduled for Friday has also been cancelled. Bertram Primary School students had been collecting donations of plants to sell at the fair to raise funds for repairs for its greenhouse, which was destroyed by vandals earlier this month. Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Tony Solin said the cancellation of so many events would have a big effect on the economy. “It will have a big impact on businesses, particularly in the entertainment and hospitality sectors,” he said. “Local consumers should take all precautions and follow State and local government advice on this issue but still carry on as normal, unless they are directly affected.” In an effort to ease the economic pain and prevent a recession, the State Government released a $607 million stimulus package on Monday, to support both households and small businesses. A freeze will be placed on household fees and charges, including electricity, water, motor vehicle charges, the emergency services levy and public transport fares. The stimulus package also includes $114 million in measures to support an estimated 7400 businesses, with those impacted by COVID-19 able to defer payroll tax payments until July 21. Rockingham MLA and Premier Mark McGowan said the economy was going to feel the effects of COVID-19.