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Western Australia’s quarantine hub to be built near contaminated site

Angie RaphaelNCA NewsWire
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new location was a necessary decision. NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage
Camera IconPrime Minister Scott Morrison said the new location was a necessary decision. NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage Credit: News Corp Australia

The federal government is moving the location for a new purpose-built quarantine facility in Western Australia — and it is just a few kilometres from a contaminated site.

An area near Jandakot Airport had been the frontrunner, but it was revealed on Thursday that WA’s Centre for National Resilience would instead be built on land within the Bullsbrook Training Area.

The 32 hectare spot is near residential and farming properties, as well as the contaminated RAAF Base Pearce, in Perth’s outer northeast, where groundwater cannot be used.

Asked if he would let his family stay there, Scott Morrison said: “If we were flying into Perth and we were quarantining in Perth and that’s what we had to do, then of course I’d go there if that’s what was required.”

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The Prime Minister also told reporters that the new location was a necessary decision.

“The facility that we are now looking at has proven necessary because the one at Jandakot wasn’t able to be secured on the appropriate terms and conditions,” he said.

“So we have moved with another facility that meets the national guidelines that we set out for getting that program moving forward.”

The Finance Department said prior to selecting the site an independent feasibility study from engineering firm AECOM found it was safe and suitable.

“The feasibility study covered a range of important issues including planning, environmental considerations, cultural heritage, traffic management, waste management and contamination,” the department said in a statement.

“Further site investigation work, planning, design, and pre-construction activities will take place over the next few weeks.

“Like other residential properties in the area, the centre will not use groundwater.”

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Camera IconPrime Minister Scott Morrison said the new location was a necessary decision. NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage Credit: News Corp Australia

Once construction on the 1000-bed facility is completed, it will be operated by the WA government during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Federal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said the facility would initially enhance Australia’s ability to continue to safely return overseas travellers and will be used in future natural disasters or health crises.

“This centre will be there to help us respond to ongoing curve balls that Covid-19 may continue to throw our way,” he said in a statement.

“Whilst a number of sites around Perth were considered, the Bullsbrook site provides the best option for the centre to be delivered quickly and cost effectively so that more international travel can be safely facilitated sooner.”

Multiplex, which is also working on a site in Victoria, will deliver the project in WA.

Construction is due to begin in October, with the first 500 beds expected to be operational in the first quarter of next year, although Premier Mark McGowan has previously indicated it is an ambitious plan.

On Thursday, Mr McGowan refused to criticise the Commonwealth for its decision to move the hub location.

“I’m not going to attack the Commonwealth over that,” he told reporters.

“Obviously they’re trying to do the right thing by the country. I’ll let them get on and do it.

“We just want to work cooperatively on these projects.”

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said she was looking forward to working with the City of Swan to maximise the opportunities for businesses in her electorate.

“This support from the Morrison government will help to ensure that WA, and indeed Australia, can open so that we can get the local and national economy firing on all cylinders,” she said.

Originally published as Western Australia’s quarantine hub to be built near contaminated site

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