Toowoomba Region Mayor, Councillors briefed on proposed Wellcamp quarantine facility
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A briefing and site inspection of the proposed Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport quarantine facility area by project proponents Denis and John Wagner (Wagner Corporation Director and Chairman respectively) has today (January 25) offered Toowoomba Region Councillors greater clarity and logistical detail around the project’s viability.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said while proposed details were to be finalised by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this week, before being presented to the Prime Minister, today’s briefing was most reassuring.
“While this is a matter for the Queensland and federal governments to approve and regulate, I have great confidence in the Wagners’ capacity to deliver a secure and comfortable facility for returning overseas travellers (an initial 1000 room accommodation facility, with individual air conditioners, for returning travellers with rooms for 300 staff),” Mayor Antonio said.
“I expect to speak with the Premier’s officials this week and I will be seeking reassurances from the state government around the protocols they plan to enforce if this site is ultimately selected for a quarantine facility.
“Today’s briefing made it very clear that returning travellers would not enter the terminal building nor have contact with airport staff. They would be transported by buses straight from the tarmac to the quarantine facility where all immigration and health checks will be performed, as well as the collection of baggage.
“People in quarantine will not be allowed to leave their room at the secure facility during their period of isolation and staff will not interact with them during this time. Staff will live and be catered for at the site for the duration of their shifts, which further reduces contact with the community. Health checks will be conducted at the site.”
Mayor Antonio said he was keen to hear about possible plans for medical staff or facilities being housed at the quarantine facility.
“Hopefully these details will be contained in the Premier’s final proposal,” Mayor Antonio said.
“I will also raise the prospect of Toowoomba being considered as an early vaccination centre. I think this will offer a greater level of confidence for our residents. While I understand some people will have reservations, I see this quarantine proposal as a safer option that transporting travellers to multiple hotels in capital city CBDs.
“Residents in the Toowoomba Region and across Queensland have cooperated to keep the worst effects of the Coronavirus at bay.
“I look forward to hearing how any proposal will ensure the safety of our residents is preserved at every step of the way in a new quarantine plan.
“We also need to show compassion to help stranded Australians return home in the safest way.”
Mayor Antonio said further updates would expand on the number and variety of jobs that would be generated by such a facility.
Caption: Wagner Corporation Chairman John Wagner (left) outlines the site plan for the proposed Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport quarantine facility to Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio.