State government finally signals move to use Pinkenba facility for homeless

The state government has finally said discussions are under way to use the Pinkenba quarantine facility for homeless people, despite the Federal Treasurer saying no formal approach has yet been made.

More than five months after the Pinkenba quarantine facility was completed, the state government has finally said discussions are under way to possibly house the homeless.

The facility that has 500 beds was finished in late 2022 and has since been sitting empty.

“We’re facilitating conversations between community and housing groups, the Commonwealth and Brisbane City Council about possible ways the Pinkenba facility could be used to house people experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” a Queensland government spokesperson said.

“If there is a practical and cost-effective way to use this facility with the support of relevant non-government service providers we will support it.”

The spokesperson said the facility was owned by the Federal Government.

“I’m sure the Commonwealth Government would be pleased to partner with the Lord Mayor to utilise their facility,” they said.

However, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said there had been no formal approach on the matter.

Mr Chalmers said the federal government would be “prepared” to work with its Queensland counterparts on the use of the Pinkenba quarantine facility as housing if they were formally asked to consider it.

Mr Chalmers, speaking in Brisbane, said the federal government was “always prepared to work” with jurisdictions to “find common ground and to work together to achieve our objectives”.

“I’m not aware yet of an approach from the state government that if and when that comes obviously we will do what we can to work together,” he said.

Inside the Pinkenba quarantine facility. Picture: Brisbane City Council

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has been calling on both the state and federal government to use it as crisis accommodation rehoming 500 residents.

Brisbane City Council has since passed a motion to help stop people living in their cars, sleeping in tents and on the streets.

Cr Schrinner said on Thursday night: “The State Government’s latest comments about the Pinkenba quarantine facility are just an attempt to duckshove their responsibilities to everyone else.

“People should not be living in cars and tents simply because the State Government refuses to accept its responsibilities.

“I’ve been to the facility. I’ve seen first-hand that it’s ready and able to be used as emergency accommodation. I challenge any and all of the relevant State Government ministers to do the same.”

Inside the Pinkenba quarantine facility. Picture: Brisbane City Council

Cr Schrinner said he had attempted to contact the Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch regarding the issue.

“I asked months ago to meet with the Housing Minister on this issue and heard nothing,” he said.

“I’m still eager to work with the state to get Pinkenba open.”

The government insisted it had been in talks since March about the possibility of getting the site up and running as emergency housing.
“The government has been in conversations with community and housing groups, the Commonwealth and Brisbane City Council about possible ways the Pinkenba facility (could be used) since the housing roundtable,” a spokeswoman said.

Council first called for the 30ha property, located on the old Damascus Barracks, to be repurposed last July.

But in March, the federal government said because of concerns the centre was far from support services it would not be used.

Instead it would be used by the Australian Defence Force during emergencies – like for natural disasters.

Footage released previously shows spacious rooms, kitchen facilities, locker rooms, garden spaces and a medical facility with a doctors surgery.

Inside the Pinkenba quarantine facility. Picture: Brisbane City Council