Groom MP calls for Premier to make trip to Toowoomba to consult with community over plans
Groom MP Garth Hamilton says there has been ‘no community consultation’ on the Premier’s idea of establishing a quarantine hub in Toowoomba.
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Groom MP Garth Hamilton has called on Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to make a trip up the range to convince the people of Toowoomba her idea of establishing a quarantine hub for returning overseas travellers can be done safely.
When asked what he knew about the proposal, which was announced this afternoon, Mr Hamilton said: “At the moment, we know absolutely nothing. We’ve seen a very empty shell of an announcement about it. Nothing’s on the table.”
Mr Hamilton said he had spoken with Mayor Paul Antonio and local State MPs this afternoon and all were unaware the announcement was being made.
“Safety of our community is forefront of my concerns on this issue,” Mr Hamilton said.
“There's been no community consultation with this whatsoever.
“Quite frankly I think the Premier needs to present her plans to the Toowoomba region. If the Premier wants this, she should come to Toowoomba and present it to us.
“She needs to prove that this will work. Our safety is at stake here.
“I invite Annastacia to come here to Toowoomba. It’s one thing to convince a government, it’s quite another thing to come here and convince the people of Toowoomba and (they can) eyeball her so that we can get a feeling of what would the community feel about this.”
When asked whether he would be comfortable with the idea of Toowoomba becoming a quarantine hub if it was proved it could be done safely, Mr Hamilton said: Until she presents a plan, I don’t think we can answer that. The big thing here is we don’t want another Dan Andrews hotel (saga) in the Toowoomba region.”
Ms Palaszczuk this afternoon announced Toowoomba and Gladstone will be as potential quarantine hubs for returning travellers in a detailed proposal to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
She said the details of the proposal would be going formally to the PM, but said National Cabinet this afternoon had discussed “a number of options involving both Gladstone and Toowoomba”.
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