Why Toowoomba residents won’t abandon local quarantine hub idea

The Toowoomba quarantine hub proposal has created unprecedented division among residents, with some locals still advocating for the idea. Here’s why.

IT’S a debate that has circulated in Toowoomba for almost all of 2021 and has created some of the most division in the community: Should Toowoomba house a quarantine facility?

Deputy Premier Steven Miles confirmed the state would be moving ahead with a Pinkenba facility, but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has not abandoned her push for a Toowoomba-based hub at Wellcamp.

When asked whether they would prefer a Brisbane or Toowoomba-based quarantine facility, the responses from The Chronicle readers were varied. Lorna Jones was staunchly against a Toowoomba hub for logistic reasons, and for the health of the community.

“Not Wellcamp, the Toowoomba Hospital is not big enough to handle the population in Toowoomba,” she said.

Toowoomba residents remain divided over the Wellcamp quarantine hub. Pic Mark Cranitch.

John A.L Campbell disagreed, however, saying Toowoomba was an ideal location.

He did question the planning processes of the facility.

“Toowoomba is the most logical place but just like the recycled water debate, no-one in Toowoomba did research or saw both sides of a situation before making a personal decision where they stand,” he said.

Groom MP Garth Hamilton has also continued his campaign against the facility.

He accused Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese of “stirring up trouble” by discussing the facility on a recent visit to Toowoomba.

“The main message is to reassure the people of Toowoomba that the medical advice we’ve received is that the project is not viable,” Mr Hamilton told The Chronicle.

“We’ve looked at this from every angle – the government has moved on from this.

“I spoke to senior members of Toowoomba’s medical community yesterday, neither them nor their management support this.”