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‘We’re full’: Isaac mayor questions COVID mine camp plan

Anne Baker speaks out on proposal to move returned Queensland travellers to remote mine camps.

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Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker has broken her silence on the premier's proposal to move returned Queensland travellers to remote mine camps.

Cr Baker said the Queensland Government had not approached the council and there was no suggestion mining camps in the Isaac Region were being considered.

"Council has not adopted a formal position on this issue," she said.

"However, I make the observation that it is very unlikely empty accommodation is currently available in mining camps in the Isaac region.

"Also, I do not believe medical facilities in our hospitals are adequate to care for travellers who might develop significant COVID symptoms while in quarantine and need intensive care."

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker.

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Cr Baker said she expected more information to come to light after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk raised the issue with other members of the National Cabinet on Friday.

The Homeground accommodation village at Yarwun has been slated as a place to house Australians returning from overseas for their mandatory 14-day quarantine period. Workers currently staying in the village would be moved to hotels in Gladstone. Picture Rodney Stevens
The Homeground accommodation village at Yarwun has been slated as a place to house Australians returning from overseas for their mandatory 14-day quarantine period. Workers currently staying in the village would be moved to hotels in Gladstone. Picture Rodney Stevens

During a press conference on Wednesday morning, Ms Palaszczuk refused to name which areas were being considered as part of the proposal, saying the government was looking at "a number" of options.

"We are putting together a proposal to see if it can work," she said.

"(I) will meet with the prime minister to put forward some suggestions and ideas and also will be raising it at National Cabinet."

Homeground Villages at Calliope in Central Queensland has been flagged as a possible quarantine facility for returned overseas travellers.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mackay/were-full-isaac-mayor-questions-covid-mine-camp-plan/news-story/459e69b62e787cee4839924452248bc5