Victorian quarantine: Mickleham plans slammed with calls in favour of Avalon site

A proposal for a quarantine facility in Melbourne’s north has met with fierce criticism as the recent outbreaks leaving community in fear.

A quarantine site could be built in Mikelham. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Plans to build a permanent quarantine centre in Mickleham has been slammed by the community.

Deputy Premier James Merlino announced the State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government over the funding of a permanent quarantine centre on Friday, June 4.

Mr Merlino said it was the government’s preference the proposed centre be built in Melbourne’s north, but a proposal for Avalon was also being considered.

The proposed Mickleham site is on Donnybrook Rd and would cost around $15 million to get the project ready for construction.

The existing site is operated by the Department of Agriculture and is used as a quarantine facility for plants and pets entering Australia.

The second site proposed is on land leased by the Department of Defence at Avalon Airport.

But the move has angered the community who have hit out at the plans for a 500-bed centre in Mickleham.

In a poll on Northern Leader’s Facebook page, many were outraged at the prospect of a permanent facility in Mickleham.

“Why would you even consider Mickleham It’s a growing and already quite vulnerable with constant outbreaks in the north,” Elif Bardan said.

Many readers were concerned that the Mickleham site was too close to surrounding suburbs, which were already vulnerable to outbreaks.

“Why would you build it at Mickleham which is a growing suburb. Not to mention sharing Tullamarine airport with all the routine domestic flights,” Georgie Mcharg said.

“Avalon can be used solely as a quarantine station. Only planes in are from overseas and the cabins are right there can walk to them rather than shuttle bussing from Tullamarine to Mickleham.”

Not all comments were opposed to the facility however, with some simply impatient for a permanent facility to be built.

“Just build one already. Cannot believe it’s taken this long.” Rebecca Tran said.

Craigieburn Residents Association president Debra Phippen said the opinions of the group members were mixed.

“Some are in favour of a facility being constructed in Mickleham and see it as a positive step in providing another type of employment in the north, and a good choice due to the proximity of Mickleham to Melbourne Airport, while others oppose it.” Ms Phippen said.

She said members were concerned Hume residents had yet to be consulted and were concerned the centre might increase the risk of another outbreak in the region.

Although the State Government has expressed a preference for the Mickleham site, local politicians were not as enthusiastic in their support.

Calwell federal Labor MP Maria Vamvakinou said there appeared to be a preference for Avalon by the Federal Government, which was responsible for quarantine arrangements and who will be making the decision.

“As I understand, the Avalon facility would allow quarantine arrangements to be rolled out quicker and meet Victoria‘s purpose-built quarantine requirements,” Ms Vamvakinou said.

Western Victoria Legislative Council MP Beverly McArthur said she had been a strong advocate for the proposed Avalon quarantine site, because of its secure location and local support.

“The Mickleham site is poorly located, being distant from an airport and with greatly inferior road access,” Ms McArthur said.

“It appears to have far less local support, and as a national animal quarantine site may present additional isolation and infection control issues.”

She said it was incredibly frustrating a decision had still not been made.

Yuroke state Labor MP Ros Spence did not respond to Leader’s request for comment

Hume City council was contacted for comment on the proposed site, but a spokesman said that they had no further comment before receiving confirmation on which site will be chosen.