Yesterday the McGowan Government released a roadmap involving four phases to carefully ease COVID-19 restrictions, to start getting Western Australians back to work safely and begin the process of re-starting the State’s economy.

Western Australia is currently already in Phase 1, with Phase 2 of the plan set to commence from the 18 May 2020, with the following outcomes relevant to the State’s racing industry.

Non-work Gatherings

With indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings lifted to only 20 people, racetracks will continue to be restricted to essential persons only.

Please note that all current bio-security measures implemented at racetracks will remain in place and must be adhered to at all times. Failure to do so will result in the matter being referred to the Stewards.

For further details regarding bio-security measures please click here.

On-Course Hospitality

The McGowan Government have advised that cafés and restaurants can reopen with meal service, limited to 20 patrons and the four square metre rule applied. RWWA will work with race clubs to determine what on-course hospitality offerings can be made available for essential persons attending racetracks.

Intrastate Travel

As part of Phase 2, the McGowan Government have advised that regional travel restrictions will also change, bringing the number of current borders within Western Australia from 13 to only four (not including the Commonwealth Biosecurity zone and remote communities). The new regional boundaries will allow:

  • travel between the South-West, Great Southern, Wheatbelt, Perth and Peel regions;
  • travel between the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions (excluding Biosecurity zone);
  • travel within the Goldfields-Esperance region (excluding the Biosecurity zone);
  • travel permitted within the Kimberley local government areas (the Commonwealth’s Biosecurity zone remains in place).

The expansion of the Perth/Peel region to now include the South-West, Great Southern and Wheatbelt will allow for the movement of horses more freely within these regions, particularly with the upcoming breeding season.

Thoroughbred race meetings at Geraldton, Carnarvon and Kalgoorlie will continue to be restricted to only horses located within the above respective regions. With the Albany season finishing on the 15 May, there will be no impact on nominations within the Great Southern.

. . .

The McGowan Government have advised that Phase 3 will be finalised in the coming weeks, based on the advice from the Chief Health Officer and will take into account the infection rates across Western Australia. It is expected Phase 3 will be implemented around four weeks from the commencement of Phase 2.

RWWA is committed to supporting the continuation of racing in Western Australia. The health and safety of our industry as well as the wider community remains of paramount concern and RWWA will continue to closely monitor and follow the advice of health authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are in place.

For further information on the Premier’s announcement please click here.