Michaela Meade
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he “welcomes” the state government’s proposal for a 500-bed COVID-19 quarantine hub in Mickleham.
Last week, Acting Premier James Merlino announced a site on Donnybrook Road was the state government’s preferred location for the hub for returned travellers.
The site is next to the existing federal government-owned Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility.
Construction of the quarantine hub in Mickleham is subject to federal approval and funding. The state government estimates that the facility will cost $200 million to construct.
The state government has provided $15 million to design the hub.
Star Weekly was contacted by many community members who opposed the announcement.
Michaela Meade
A state government proposal for a 500-bed COVID-19 quarantine hub in Mickleham has divided the community.
Last week, Acting Premier James Merlino revealed that a site on Donnybrook Road was the state government’s preferred location for the hub, which will house returned travellers.
The site is next to the existing federal government-owned Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility.
The state government has committed $15 million to design the hub, however its construction is dependent on federal government approval and funding.
The state government said the hub would cost about $200 million to build, with construction to begin in September if federal approval is granted.
Mr Merlino refused to commit funds for the 500-bed complex, and said the Commonwealth should pay for the project, as quarantine was constitutionally a federal government responsibility.
However, on February 16 while announcing a purpose-built accommodation hub, Premier Daniel Andrews vowed to go one step further. âItâs more than just scoping it, we are going to get on and build a facility,â he said.
Victoria sent its business case to the Commonwealth at 9.42am, just minutes before Mr Merlinoâs press conference.
âWeâve got a delayed rollout of the Commonwealth vaccine program, weâve got a dire situation in other parts of the world,â Mr Merlino said.
Federal government kept in the dark about Victoria’s plans for purpose-built quarantine facility, which is entirely contingent on $200m of Commonwealth funding.