Premier puts forward Toowoomba and Gladstone as potential quarantine hubs for returning travellers

The Garden City has been identified by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk as a potential quarantine hub for returning overseas travellers.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks outside 1 William Street after this mornings National Cabinet. Friday 22nd January 2021 Picture David Clark

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will put forward the cities of Toowoomba and Gladstone as potential quarantine hubs for returning travellers in a detailed proposal to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Ms Palaszczuk said she put to the PM “some options about where we could look at some alternative quarantine away from our capital city”.

She said the details of the proposal would be going formally to the PM, but said National Cabinet had discussed “a number of options involving both Gladstone and Toowoomba”.

“I spoke to the mayor (of Gladstone), he’s very supportive of the proposal, but we’d have to consult with the community,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“You have to remember there are a lot of Australians that are currently stranded overseas, a lot of families want their loved ones home, and we’ve got to put options on the table.”

The Premier said international flights into Rockhampton (for Gladstone) and Toowoomba would have to get the approval of the Federal Government.

“They’re looking at all of these options as well. Our CHO has gone through a lot of those details. Look, we’ll put the proposal forward you know, it’s good to have ideas,” she said.

Mayor Paul Antonio has been contacted for comment.