Tourism operators are fearful northern Western Australia could be locked out of the state's "road map out of COVID" because of the region's low vaccination rate.
Premier Mark McGowan outlined a conservative reopening for the state which would hinge on 90 per cent of the state's population aged above 12 years old being fully vaccinated by early 2022.
But he indicated parts of regional WA that had lower vaccination rates could be subject to further internal travel restrictions.
While restrictions are only expected to apply to unvaccinated travellers, tourism operators already impacted by WA's ongoing border closures fear any further disruption.
Natasha Maher, chief executive of tourism marketing board Australia's North West, said the possibility of further lockouts was "very concerning".
"I just don't want to see that happen.
'Just get vaccinated'
Vaccination rates in WA's north have been amongst the lowest in the nation, particularly in some Indigenous communities.
Broome camel tour operator John Geappen said he understood the concern about the low vaccination rates and how the virus could affect vulnerable populations.
But he is hopeful there will be an increase in vaccinations before the peak tourism season begins.
"I'll have to play it by ear. By March I hope things will be where they needed to be and we won't be affected adversely," Mr Geappean said.
Colin Woodman, chief executive of Ardyaloon Community, said his tiny community, north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula, currently has a 55 per cent of its residents fully vaccinated rate, while 80 per cent have received a single dose.
Wyndham East Kimberley Shire president David Menzel said it would be a huge blow for tourism and agriculture — sectors already plagued by worker shortages — if the region was to be cut off.
"I'm really concerned about our next tourist season which will be our third one in a row that could be significantly impacted," he said.
Mr Menzel had hoped the Premier would set firm opening dates at his announcement.
"We need a clear date to open up. It would provide significant motivation to our community on whether they want to be vaccinated before that date or not," Mr Menzel said.
"There's some mixed messages that you've got to get vaccinated on one hand, but we'll keep you locked down and there will be no COVID in your community on the other hand."
