- Most COVID restrictions were lifted in WA, today
- The campaign includes over $60,000 in prizes
- Google Mobility data shows retail visits are 58% below baseline and office, 73% below baseline
This morning, the Property Council (PCA) launched its CBD VIP campaign. The four week competition will see visitors and commuters to Perth’s CBD vie for weekly prizes worth over $9,000 and a grand prize worth over $26,000. The total competition prize pool is more than $60,000.
All prizes were donated and include a mix of vouchers from Perth CBD retail and hospitality businesses, free gym passes, free parking, free public transport, and WA tourism experiences.
PCA’s launch comes as Western Australia lifts most of the remaining restrictions including mask-wearing, vaccination requirements, and capacity limits.
“The significant reduction in restrictions is a strong sign that Western Australians can now safely resume normal routines as we had before COVID-19,” said WA Property Council executive director Sandra Brewer.
“The State Government has delivered us the soft landing, now we need to make the most of it by welcoming people back into Perth’s CBD.”
WA Property Council executive director, Sandra Brewer
The campaign is aimed at increasing foot traffic for Perth’s inner-city businesses, a much needed boost given the latest figures from Google’s Mobility Report.
The report found that, in the City of Perth, retail and recreation visitations were 58% below baseline, and workplace numbers are 73% lower compared to the baseline. In contrast, parks were popular, 11% above the baseline.
City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas encouraged workers back into the city:
“The best place to work from is the office – and now that the masks are off, city workers can return with confidence and without inconvenience.”
All this also comes as WA has some of the best vaccination rates around.
“Whether it be our nation-leading third dose vaccination rate, or following the health advice during the current Omicron wave, Western Australians should be proud of how they continue to pull together to get our State through this pandemic,” said Minister for Housing; Lands; Homelessness; Local Government and Member for Perth Minister John Carey.
“My message to city workers and their employers is simple – you are what makes the city a vibrant and active place to be, and when you head out for lunch, dinner or after work drinks, you drive the local economy and create jobs.”
