Flood damage has frustrated efforts to attract much-needed labour to an outback region before its tourism season as the WA government considers further broadening a freight subsidy. 

Workers from Perth and southern Western Australia usually move to the East Kimberley to fill much-needed roles ahead of the region's dry season rush, which runs from May to September.

Bu those people cannot freight their goods along the normal route into the East Kimberley while the Great Northern Highway remains cut at Fitzroy Crossing.

Extensive damage to a crucial bridge means anyone moving from Perth to Kununurra must pay about double the normal freight cost, because the only way trucks can enter the East Kimberley hub is through South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Business and tourism operator Lisa Spackman said the situation had made it "extremely difficult" to attract workers from Perth, forcing her to recruit from Australia's east.

"Unless I was prepared to pay for a relocation allowance, which as a small business I can't afford, that's the only way we can get people up from Perth," she said.

Ms Spackman said a worker shortage across Australia meant she had struggled to recruit staff with appropriate experience, especially in administration positions, at a wage she could afford to pay.

"It's a workers' market," she said.

"They can pick and choose.

She said her business had to make offers better than workers could get anywhere else.

"When you're looking to keep costs down, because people are doing it tough, you're having to look at increasing your prices."

Freight subsidy change

A Commonwealth and state government-funded freight subsidy is in place for Kimberley businesses and organisations whose trucking costs have skyrocketed following January's floods.

East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Clare Smith said it should also cover those moving to the region, who planned to work for a business which did not have enough money to pay relocation costs.

"We've had a few instances where staff have said they can't come and take on that role now, because their freight and relocation costs have doubled, and it's simply not feasible for them to come and work in the region," she said.

A Department of Fire and Emergency Services state recovery spokesperson said the government was considering changes to the freight assistance program.

"Following feedback from small business we are exploring a process to reimburse new workers who are responsible for their own freight costs," the spokesperson said.

"This would be for workers who have signed a contract.

"This program does not provide assistance for people needing to move for personal reasons."

Freight hike goes both ways

It could be months before truck traffic from the rest of Western Australia resumes into the East Kimberley as Main Roads works on a temporary river crossing at Fitzroy Crossing.

Kununurra resident Judy Hughes, who has lived in the town since 1970, said she was leaving the region to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren in Perth.

"I guess I've got to make the step while I'm still fit and healthy and able to make a new life," she said.

Ms Hughes said her moving costs had jumped by $5,600 due to the extra distance needed to freight her furniture down the middle of Australia and then west to Perth.

"That's a huge financial blow… I can't afford to ditch everything and start again," she said.

She said the freight subsidy should cover people in her predicament.

"I feel quite discriminated against as an individual because I fall outside the criteria."