‘Disgusting, abhorrent’: Perth shoppers buy up supplies in regional WA

Dandaragan Shire president Leslee Holmes has lashed out at Perth shoppers believed to be driving to regional towns to stock up on supplies. “It’s absolutely happening here, she said. “There’s not been any buses as far as I’m aware, but definitely people have been driving up to raid supermarkets.” She said shoppers from Perth had been seen raiding supermarkets in Cervantes and Jurien Bay and she had heard it was also happening further inland, at Moora and Bindoon. “It’s disgusting and goes against the Anzac spirit,” Ms Holmes said. “People willing to drive hours to raid our towns should know we’re already facing the same supply issues.” Some supermarkets in the Shire have had to introduce a one-of-each-item policy for all shoppers in order to ration out stock. Last Thursday, the Nationals WA released a statement calling for a clampdown on shoppers raiding country supermarkets. Nationals WA leader Mia Davies called the practice “abhorrent” and said panic buyers raiding small towns should stop immediately. “People need to understand many communities being targeted have only one or limited retail outlets for essential goods,” she said. Ms Holmes said Shire staff were holding crisis meetings every day to be prepared for a worst-case scenario with regards to COVID-19. “We’re taking every precaution to keep our residents safe and give people a safe place to holiday,” she said.