A business survey has painted a dire picture for the East Kimberley's economy as border uncertainty and a staffing crisis threaten to cripple the tourism sector.
The region is heavily geared towards the dry season rush, from April to September, when visitors flock to picturesque outback stations, Lake Argyle and Purnululu National Park.
But tourism operators' plans for a record season were thrown off course when the Western Australian government announced late last month it would delay the state's reopening indefinitely.
The East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry surveyed members following the decision and a summary provided to the ABC reveals some businesses fear for their survival.
"We are seriously considering not opening our tourism operation for the 2022 tourism season," one respondent said.
Worker shortage wreaks havoc
Chief among the concerns was the staffing crisis which continues to plague tourism and agriculture, largely fuelled by the state's strict border controls.
The 55 businesses who responded to the survey said they were looking to fill a combined 1,085 positions to operate at full capacity, 60 per cent of which are normally recruited from interstate.
But ongoing border uncertainty continues to dissuade workers from coming to the remote area.
"Closed borders are continuing to cause a staffing crisis which is making operating incredibly difficult," a survey response said.
"Recruitment for remote properties is challenging at the best of times given around 50 per cent of our staff are generally from interstate."
Calls for clarity around skilled workers
The state government partially eased interstate entry requirements from February 5 and local leaders are lobbying authorities to broaden out the 'specialist skills' provision.
Wyndham East Kimberley Shire president David Menzel said remote tourism and agriculture operations need a vast array of skilled and unskilled roles to function.
"So many of our staff are seasonal staff and are choosing to not cross into WA."
A WA government spokesperson said industries can make applications to bring in interstate workers with specialist skills that are not otherwise reasonably available in WA.
