EXPLAINED: Full details about how the Wellcamp quarantine accommodation centre will operate

The state-run quarantine centre at Wellcamp Airport is scheduled to open next month. This is who will be using the accommodation once rules on international arrivals are relaxed.

The Wellcamp quarantine centre is almost ready for use, but with relaxed rules on international arrivals coming into play this weekend, plans for the state-run site have changed.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said on Thursday 500 beds in the Queensland Regional Accommodation Centre, at Wellcamp, 15 km from Toowoomba, will be ready for use next month.

The accommodation site was originally going to be used for international students, but its purpose is scheduled to change as Queensland opens the borders to vaccinated international travellers without the need for quarantine from Saturday.

“This is the first (way) it will be used when opened, but (we) should expect this to be changed over time,” Mr Miles said.

From February, the 500 beds will be divided into two pods that will be used for different purposes. 

Half of the beds will be used for unvaccinated international travellers, or international travellers who come from a country where the vaccination program is not recognised or accepted by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

The quarantine hub at Wellcamp Airport. Picture: Nev Madsen

The Commonwealth government has asked their state counterpart to cap international arrivals requiring quarantine at 350 people per week, though Mr Miles said he expects the number of weekly arrivals to be below the capped figure.

The Deputy Premier also said completing quarantine at the Wellcamp accommodation centre would cost the same as hotel quarantine, but it would be free for anyone directed to stay there under a public health order. 

Queenslanders whose own accommodation was deemed unsuitable for isolating by Queensland Health (QH) are expected to be the main users of the second 250 bed pod.

This group could include homeless people, vulnerable people, travellers whose accommodation will no longer be available and people who might have others in their household who are vulnerable, Mr Miles said.

Depending on the circumstances, Mr Miles said anyone directed by QH to enter the quarantine centre could either arrange their own transport or be taken there by health officials.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles visits the quarantine hub at Wellcamp Airport with Wagner Corporation Chairman John Wagner in December. Picture: Nev Madsen

“Throughout the pandemic, guests haven’t been able to choose where they go. That has been the decision of those managing our quarantine system and that will continue to be the case,” he said.

Mr Miles said although the Wellcamp centre would be mostly used for southeast Queenslanders, it would enable the number of hotels used for quarantine to be downscaled statewide.

Some hotels will still be needed, particularly for international arrivals to the Gold Coast and Cairns regions, as well as one used for short-term quarantine near Brisbane Airport, he said.

Staff members from Aspen Medical – an organisation with experience working in remote areas – have been hired to work at Wellcamp and will be overseen by Queensland Health.

Non-health related services will be provided by the Compass Group Australia.

Mr Miles said despite the change in rules, the Queensland Regional Accommodation Centre is still “incredible value for money” with all costs, including transport and staff, remaining in the initial budget.

“At the moment they’re in hotels facing the same dangers that we saw with quarantine hotels and, prior to when we put them in hotels, they were occupying hospital beds which are just about the most valuable thing in the state right now,” he said.

The quarantine hub at Wellcamp Airport. Picture: Nev Madsen

He also said the delay in opening the doors was not directly linked to the change in international travel rules.

“The delay, which was only a few weeks when you consider it, was largely caused by the weather in Toowoomba and some delays in our contractors getting staff.,” he said.

The government has a 12 month lease for the 1000 bed accommodation site, being built by construction firm Wagner Corporation, with an option to extend for a second year.

Wagner Corporation Chairman John Wagner said the quarantine centre will continue to bring benefits to local regions.

“There have been more than 400 workers on site during construction and the start of operations is now bringing more jobs and supply-chain opportunities,” he said.

Mr Miles also announced the appointment Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Assistant Commissioner, Joanne Greenfield, as the new Quarantine Commissioner to oversee operations.

The deputy premier said she was well-suited for the job.

“Joanne has been working on the quarantine program since the beginning of the pandemic and brings an extensive background in leading large-scale operations in complex environments both in Queensland as well as internationally in a range of disasters including in the health sector,” he said.