NT Government open to housing coronavirus evacuees

The NT Government is prepared to work with the Federal Government on a proposed idea to use the empty Manigurr-ma worker accommodation camp at Howard Springs as a coronavirus quarantine centre

Minister for infrastructure Eva Lawler said she would be prepared to talk to the Federal Government over the Howard Springs workers’ camp housing coronavirus evacuees from China. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

The NT Government is prepared to work with the Federal Government on a proposed idea to use the empty Manigurr-ma worker accommodation camp at Howard Springs a quarantine centre for Australians returning from the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak.

NT Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler said on ABC radio this morning she was prepared to talk to the Federal Government to put a plan in action.

“This is a huge, evolving issue. Whether or not these numbers are going to increase, I think all Australians are looking at ‘if these people are Australian, how can we help?’ and figuring out what we can do for them,” she said.

News Corp this morning revealed the Federal Government was actively considering sending evacuees to the camp, about 30km south of Darwin’s CBD, as it faces the prospect of having to quarantine ‘literally thousands” more Australians returning from coronavirus-affected areas in China

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“We’ll be there listening and available for the Federal Government to have those conversations around those sites.

“I would hope that there are plenty of other options across Australia.”

When proposed with a question about whether or not it’s an opportunity for the Territory to make a dollar, Ms Lawler said it’s a possibility.

“If there’s some dough to be made, maybe there’s an opportunity there,” she said.