Gate opens to camping

Residents in the Pilbara are able to go camping at popular national parks including Millstream Chichester park, with the State Government lifting restrictions which saw the parks closed to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

The WA Government announced last week that from May 1 locals would able to camp in their local national parks and reserves.

However, intrastate travel restrictions remain in place which means people will only be able to visit and camp within their regional boundaries.

The announcement comes after premier Mark McGowan relaxed restrictions last week to allow 10-person limits on non-work activities.

Minister for Environment Stephen Dawson said everyone could do with a change of scene.

“Allowing Western Australians to camp in their local national parks and reserves is a positive step forward and a reflection of the good behaviour shown by the community during the State of Emergency,” he said.

Minister Dawson said campers need to ensure they are self-sufficient and able to maintain good personal hygiene by carrying their own hand-washing equipment and materials.

“As people enjoy visiting and camping in their local national parks, I encourage them to be vigilant and to continue to practice social distancing,” he said.

The move comes after restrictions on boating had been eased earlier in the week, with Boating Industry Association supporting the decision.

BIA president Darren Vaux said recreational boating out in the fresh air and sunshine was good for mental and physical health.

“Reactivating a low-risk activity like boating will start to repair the boating industry which is closely aligned to tourism and is hurting with staff lay-offs and business closures as a result of COVID-19.”