Northern NSW Local Health District say the community support accommodation is secure yet not all in the area are convinced.

Speedway promoter and key tenant of Lismore showground David Lander said the decision to put a quarantine convoy on his doorstep is ‘unbelievable’.

Castrol Edge Lismore Speedway promoter David Lander is infuriated the Lismore showground has been chosen as a quarantine station for Byron Bay residents who have been exposed to Covid.

“My main gripe is that they’ve put it right in front,” he said.

17 motorhomes at the Lismore Showground to assist close contacts of people with COVID-19 to isolate safely and effectively, if they cannot do so at their usual premises.

Mr Lander said health authorities were shown around the entire area, but they chose the front entrance and it’s putting race fans and teams off from coming to the showground.

“It’s actually unbelievable where they’ve put it.”

When security and trades came onsite Friday to start setting up amenities, Mr Lander grew concerned that the quarantine area could be there for a long time.

“If there’s an outbreak and they keep bringing people here it’s going to impact us and all the other businesses that use the showground,” Mr Lander said.

Lismore Speedway promoter David Lander is concerned an outbreak could mean the quarantine camp will stay and have a significant impact on businesses that use the showground.

Health experts say they chose the showground for its ‘ease of access’

Chief Executive Northern NSW Local Health District, Wayne Jones said NSW Health consulted with the Lismore Showground regarding use of the site and the location of the motorhomes within the site.

“The Lismore Showground was chosen for its central location, with easy access to both a major hospital and Covid-19 testing facilities,” he said.

17 motorhomes with their own power, water, and waste disposal services. Occupants must follow the current Public Health Orders at all times.

It was a ‘medical directive’

Board member of the Lismore Show Society Andrew Gordon said that the decision to have the community support accommodation at Lismore showground was based on the land being owned by the Crown who has the right to make a medical directive to use it as a quarantine spot.

He added that although the board manage the site, they are acting under a directive from the department of health.

“The community support accommodation will be here for one month,” Mr Gordon said.

Chief Executive Northern NSW Local Health District, Wayne Jones said they do not pose a health risk to the site or the local community.

“Strict hygiene, safety and infection protection control measures apply, and Northern NSW Local Health District is providing a security presence at the site 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week,” he said.

The quarantine park will remain at the showground for the time being after backpackers at Aquarius were allowed home last night.

“A number of motorhomes are in use at the moment, and these will continue to be available for any members of the community across the District,” Mr Jones said.

Quarantine sites ‘not new’ says mayor

Lismore Mayor Vanessa Ekins said quarantine sites in Lismore have been operating for the past two years.

“Quarantine sites are not new,” she said.

“The Bounty Hotel has been used for quarantine in the CBD,” she said.

“The Department of health made decisions with private landowners and council were not informed.”

Mayor Ekins said the community support accommodation was for close contacts for families that don’t want to risk taking Covid home to their families.

“So far all the tests have returned negative,” she said.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said the health department are acting to keep us safe.

“We often hear the phrase ‘we’re in this together’ and I believe if we can help then we ought to,” she said.

This comes as forty-one theatre staff from Lismore Base Hospital were sent home to self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19 after coming into contact with a confirmed positive COVID-19 case over the weekend.