Wellcamp quarantine hub: Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley leaders explore alternate uses of controversial facility

One of the most controversial projects in recent memory now has no future use — but many leaders say the Wellcamp quarantine hub has new opportunities. Vote in our poll here.

Toowoomba should embrace the controversial Wellcamp quarantine facility as an asset that can turbocharge the region’s growth, according to one of the city’s top economic leaders.

The future of the $237m hub remains in doubt after the Queensland Government revealed in budget estimates this week it was be discontinued as of this weekend from its current use.

But Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport said this presented an opportunity to look at a number of new uses for the 1000-bed project.

“As a region we now have an asset that’s been built, so as a region we should now be embracing it,” she said.

“We’re the ones who could be the beneficiaries of it, so let’s change our mindsets around this.”

Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan, who made her case for alternative uses to Deputy Premier Steven Miles several weeks ago, said she could think of a variety of people who might need it.

“I had raised it when the LGAQ had a luncheon with the deputy premier a month ago — he had arranged for me to meet with their quarantine commissioner,” she said.

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Here are some alternative uses floated by community leaders:

SKILLED WORKERS

Ms Milligan said the hub could be immediately used to hold residents who had moved to Toowoomba or the Lockyer Valley for a job but couldn’t crack the market.

“We’ve got housing affordability issues right across the state,” she said.

“You’ve (also) got housing 101 issues, where businesses have got openings but residents can’t find a place.

“If you don’t have communal kitchens right now, stick demountables out there with kitchens in them.”

PROJECT SUPPORT

Ms Davenport suggested the facility could accommodate the massive temporary workforces needed for key upcoming projects, most notably the Inland Rail.

“We have a skilled worker shortage and we have major projects coming our way like the Boeing assembly plant, the Cressbrook pumped hydro, the Inland Rail and the new hospital,” she said.

UKRAINIAN MIGRANTS

Wagner Corporation’s John Wagner, whose company built and owns the quarantine facility, said it could be suited to host agricultural workers from war-torn Ukraine to support the sector in the Toowoomba region.

“The facility is brand new, it’s fully decked out, there are millions displaced in Europe, so bring in 1000 Ukrainians,” he told The Chronicle earlier this month.

DV VICTIMS

The quarantine facility could also be suitable for victims escaping domestic and family violence, according to local support services.

However, Domestic Violence Action Centre service manager Kath Turley said any proposal would need to be considered and planned.

“While it would be a safe place to have a bed, there could be other elements that may arise,” she said.

Originally published as Wellcamp quarantine hub: Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley leaders explore alternate uses of controversial facility