Coronavirus: Gladstone alarm at mining camp lockdown plans

Scott Morrison was on Wednesday night meeting with Gladstone mayor Matt Burnett over concerns about the Palaszczuk government’s proposed use of a mining camp to house returned overseas arrivals.

Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett at the official opening of the Calliope and District Multi-purpose facility.

Scott Morrison was on Wednesday night meeting with Gladstone mayor Matt Burnett over concerns about the Palaszczuk government’s proposed use of a mining camp to house returned overseas arrivals.

The Homeground mining camp in Calliope near the central Queensland coast has firmed as the first choice for a dedicated international quarantine facility to replace the use of hotels.

In a letter to the Prime Minister and Premier Annastacia Palas­zczuk, the Gladstone Regional Council has raised 12 concerns about the proposal, outlining fears it could lead to local outbreaks and impact on the region’s vital resources industry.

The Palaszczuk government raised the idea after Greater Brisbane was sent into lockdown for three days this month after a cleaner the Grand Chancellor Hotel became infected with the UK strain of COVID-19 from a man in quarantine.

Ms Palaszczuk and Mr Morrison, who is touring Queensland, will discuss the issue when they meet this week. The Premier intends to raise the proposal at Friday’s nat­ional cabinet meeting.

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath and Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll have visited the Homeground camp to inspect the site.

Health officials are confident of being able to cope with any medical issues that would arise if the proposal were accepted and would continue the practice of hospitalising any returned travellers who test positive for the virus.

Rockhampton airport, which has international freight capabilities, would be the most likely landing point for arrivals.

Ms Palaszczuk said the government was still considering its options regarding the use of workers camps. “We’re putting through a proposal to see if it can work,” she said on Wednesday.

“The reason we are putting this proposal forward is we are trying to minimise the risk with this incredibly infectious UK strain.

“This is not a problem unique to Queensland, it is an issue for all of Australia.

“I’m looking forward to speaking with the Prime Minister later this week to put forward some suggestions and ideas and hopefully we will be raising it at national cabinet.”

She would not confirm preferred sites, saying “We are working through a number of options”.

The Australian understands a workers camp near the Wellcamp airport west of Toowoomba is also in the frame.

North Queensland federal MP Bob Katter proposed the mothballed resort on Dunk Island, near Mission Beach, could be renovated and used to quarantine international arrivals but Ms Palaszczuk immediately denounced the proposal. “I don’t think that will work,” she said. “We are in cyclone season and the logistics in evacuating would be incredible.”