With Western Australia on the verge of lockdown, the state government has implemented a series of tough intrastate travel restrictions.
From midnight (12am on Wednesday morning), citizens will be unable to leave their regional boundary.
Exemptions will be put in place for work reasons, delivery of essential services, medical appointments, compassionate grounds, and school/TAFE/tertiary study reasons.
WA Police will be in charge of enforcing these restrictions, and will hand out fines to those caught breaking the rules.
"These are extraordinary times, and we have a responsibility to implement extraordinary measures to protect Western Australians, and stop the spread of COVID-19," Premier Mark McGowan said.
"It is absolutely vital that Western Australians abide by these restrictions to help protect themselves, their family, and the wider community.
"This is an important measure that will help us stop the spread. We are all in this together.
"I urge everyone to do their duty as Western Australians, and cease all travel within the state."
Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said the city fully understood the government's decision to introduce said restrictions.
"Like all cities and towns across WA and the country, the current situation will have a significant impact on tourism in Bunbury," Mr Brennan said.
"It has been difficult to see our local people, services, and all industries impacted by this pandemic. Our thoughts are with everyone doing it hard at this time.
"It will be hard work, but I have full confidence Bunbury and our tourism sector can bounce back and be stronger when this is all over.
"I implore everyone to take care of themselves and their families, look out for others in the community and continue to listen and follow the advice of the relevant authorities."
Visit Bunbury Geographe tourism, marketing, and development manager Anissa Williams agreed that the impact would be "undeniable".
"Last year, we received more than 1,897,000 day-trip visitors and 725,000 overnight visitors. Furthermore, the value-add multiplier of Bunbury Geographe's visitor economy was $1722 million, far surpassing mining at $790m, and $367m for agriculture, forestry, and fishing," she said.
"So, the impact will be devastating for our local tourism and hospitality businesses, the visitor economy and the region's economy as a whole.
"The full impact will be determined by the longevity of COVID-19 and therefore the length of economic uncertainty.
"Many of us have more time on our hands than normal, so I would encourage people to use that time to work on their business or upskill."
Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Mark Seaward said they would be assisting a range of sectors over the next few months.
"The impact on the affected industry will be profound, Easter is usually the big weekend before winter which sets them up for the winter months," he said
"Government assistance for businesses is on its way and we will get through this together.
"We urge everyone to stay positive whilst we battle the spread of the virus and sincerely thank all of the people in our essential services, particularly health, who are on the front-line of caring for the affected."
