Crab Fest canned: City to work with business owners following closure of iconic event

That is the message of Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams gave as he addressed media in the wake of the cancellation of Crab Fest due to coronavirus fears on Friday afternoon.

Earlier:

The city's signature event draws more than 100,000 people to the western foreshore each March, stimulating the cash flow of local shops and stallholders.

But those businesses will miss out on that profit this year after the decision was made to scrap the event amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

"We have had to make the decision today based on advice from the chief health officer and the minister for health to cancel the Crab Fest event," mayor Williams said.

"It became clear to us this morning that the status of the coronavirus pandemic had changed and that we had to act accordingly.

"We consulted with the authorities this morning... and the advice was that perhaps it wasn't in the best interest of our community for Crab Fest to continue."

"It's a really difficult decision to make and it's heartbreaking for the many businesses and for this community that love the celebration of Crab Fest.

"But what's most important is the health and wellbeing of the people of Mandurah."

Mayor Williams said the City of Mandurah would work closely with local businesses to support them during what looms as an ominous few months.

"I've done a walk along the foreshore this morning and spoken to many of the business owners and they're hurting.

"We will work with them to make sure we're doing what we can to help them out."

Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup cited local fishing bodies as those who would be most affected by the cancellation.

"One of the businesses most affected are the fishing association who have been out on the estuary for weeks if not months now to get ready for Crab Fest

"They've got something like eight tonnes or more of fresh crabs stranded.

"I've been working already with the [Australian Hotels Association] to try and find some destinations, some menus within Perth so that we can continue to support our fishery here and make sure those crabs that have been caught won't be wasted."

The scene was a dour one on the foreshore on Friday afternoon, as workers packed away stalls and carnival rides that had previously been set out for the annual tradition.

It is the first time time in the award-winning event's history it has had to cancel.