Nationals WA small business and tourism spokesperson Vince Catania has called on the state government to protect regional WA against "extreme economic uncertainty" in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The deadly respiratory illness has claimed more than 6,000 lives since it was first reported last December, with supermarket shelves depleted as the world grapples with the prospect of supply shortages.
Mr Catania said it served as a timely reminder of how critical the regions are for the state's food sector and the degree to which the state relied on regional WA.
The South West is home to thousands of agricultural enterprises worth more than $813 million to the region's economy and covering more than 864,000 hectares.
As well as being the largest wine producing region in WA, the South West is the state's leading supplier of beef cattle and accounts for about 88 per cent of the total value of WA's milk production.
Mr Catania said the state government needed to take immediate steps to identify strategies to protect regions underpinning the state's prosperity and safeguard food supplies.
"No-one should deny the importance of protecting the supply of food, the massive employment and tourism opportunities or the significant financial contribution our regions make to our state's economy," he said.
"If the metro areas are to survive, it's essential resources be redirected to step up efforts in determining each regional towns capability, short falls and needs in being able to manage the effects of the COVID-19 virus to mitigate potential impacts.
"Securing our own "backyard" and protecting food supplies such as Carnarvon providing around 70 per cent of Perth's winter veggies, our seafood and pastoral industries along with food and fodder from across the agricultural areas and dairies in the South West, is crucial.
"Without an understanding of the short falls and development of effective strategies to help communities and businesses manage the COVID-19 situation and make informed decisions, the outcome for West Australians and the regions may be catastrophic.
"It's a time to work together, put any differences aside and ask local governments to advise the state government of their community needs and concerns."
A state government spokesperson confirmed the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development had been tasked with preparing for the economic implications of COVID-19 and was liaising with industry representatives to assess the impact and minimise disruption for primary industries.
"We are liaising with the food processing sector in WA to prepare businesses, support business continuity measures and minimise disruption," the spokesperson said.
"It's disappointing the WA Nationals are trying to play petty politics over coronavirus.
"We've been in lockstep with the Federal Coalition Government in our response to COVID-19.
"It appears Mr Catania and the WA Nationals are now questioning their federal counterparts' actions.
"Measures implemented by the state government are based on the best advice from health professionals.
"The WA Nationals should listen to that advice and not try to whip up fear by exploiting a global health issue."
Just last week, the federal government announced a $17.6 billion economic stimulus package to mitigate the impact of challenges posed by the spread of the virus.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the package would greatly benefit agricultural businesses, with $1 billion to be directed to a regional and community fund to support industries impacted by coronavirus.
