Some of the Wheatbelt's small supermarkets are imposing a 'locals only' shopping policy with a large number of metropolitan residents raiding local supplies in the wake of COVID-19.
It comes after a number of reports of supermarket, grocery store and pharmacy shelves being cleaned out of stock by panic buyers in country towns including Moora and Merredin.
In a social media post on Friday, Moora Foodworks manager Kylie Minty said the store was working to deter Perth "panic buyers".
"Please note that we will only be serving customers from our local district area from now on," the post read.
"Our area is quite large so we have a lot of local people that rely on us.
"Your ID maybe required to be shown to staff.
"Please respect our decision to ensure our local communities and customers are looked after."
Ms Minty said travellers buying drinks and snacks were welcome but those coming to do big shops were not.
Nationals WA leader Mia Davies said if everyone shopped normally, shopping centres could maintain their supplies.
"I call for those travelling outside their district with the sole purpose of stocking up and hoarding supplies to stop immediately," she said.
"People need to understand many communities being targeted have only one or limited retail outlets for essential goods.
"With demand everywhere soaring, some are already having difficulty with continuity of supply for essential goods.
"If this behaviour continues or worsens, the state government will need to seriously consider how they can assist these retail outlets maintain safety and public order."
Premier Mark McGowan said panic buying was not necessary.
"I'd urge all West Australians to remain calm and take a common sense approach," Mr McGowan said.
"That includes washing your hands as regularly as you can, secondly using tissues if you're sneezing or coughing, and thirdly in late April or May getting a flu vaccination."
Major retailers including Coles and Woolworths have already implemented restrictions on the quantity of toilet paper, pasta, rice and flour shoppers can purchase in one transaction.
What do you think of the move to ban out of town buyers? Send a letter to eliza.wynn@avonadvocate.com.au
