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The $200 million ‘Wellcamp’ Covid-19 quarantine facility in Queensland appears to be empty in photos.
After Queensland lifted isolation regulations for overseas arrivals on April 28, the state-of-the-art, privately-owned hotel and medical facility near Toowomba has only 14 guests.
The facility is now being utilized for Queenslanders who test positive for Covid but do not have access to an appropriate isolation facility, such as the homeless or domestic violence victims.
Flood victims and refugees are among those who have stayed at the facility since the travel restrictions were lifted.
‘Some of the most at-risk individuals in the community would not have a safe place to remain while dealing with COVID-19 without the (Queensland Regional Accommodation Centre),’ a spokesman for Deputy Premier Steven Miles told The Australian.
The 1000-bed Queensland Regional Accommodation Centre (QRAC) is a ghost town, according to images provided to Daily Mail Australia by one family.
A herb omelette with a side of watercress and half a tomato, served with a white bread roll and unsweetened Greek yoghurt, was one of the meals.
Another dish featured whole baby carrots with mash, broccoli and roasted pork, gravy, and more cress, as well as delectable-looking chocolate and strawberry tartlets.
‘Food and services were better than expected,’ the family stated.
Since it opened in February, the massive facility west of Brisbane has seen an average of 41 visitors per week.
When the state relaxed its limits for foreign visitors, the number plummeted to 23.
Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie, on the other hand, stated that the nearly abandoned plant will cost $200 million in its first year of operation.
‘The state administration has clearly lost the plot if they think spending more than $200 million on a facility with seven people in it is appropriate,’ Mr Bleijie said.
Since then, the government has added seven more visitors.
‘It’s so basic,’ Mr Bleijie claimed, ‘that some of the bedrooms have never been unlocked or bedsheets washed.’
Until next February, the state government is bound by a contract with the facility’s private owner, Wagner Corporation, which also owns the nearest airport.
According to data obtained by The Australian, the construction cost $48.8 million and a medical company’s services cost $40 million.
Mr Miles said the facility is still being used for ‘at risk’ people who test positive for Covid, such as homeless or domestic abuse victims.
In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, his spokeswoman said, “The primary objective of the QRAC remains an isolation facility for COVID-positive but otherwise healthy individuals without acceptable alternative accommodation.”
‘In the event of another COVID breakout, we intend to keep a reserve of beds on hand.’
According to data obtained by The Australian, the construction cost $48.8 million and a medical company’s services cost $40 million.
Mr Miles said the facility is still being used for ‘at risk’ people who test positive for Covid, such as homeless or domestic abuse victims.
In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, his spokeswoman said, “The primary objective of the QRAC remains an isolation facility for COVID-positive but otherwise healthy individuals without acceptable alternative accommodation.”
‘In the event of another COVID breakout, we intend to keep a reserve of beds on hand.’
‘Once we have collected and analyzed this material, we will consider taking further action.’
After an eight-month impasse with the Morrison government, Queensland’s state leader Annastacia Palaszczuk stated that the state would build the facility itself.
‘Scott Morrison failed to act, and we now have a dedicated quarantine facility for whatever the future may bring,’ she said.
Mr Miles justified the initiative last year by saying, “Following repeated leaks from the nation’s hotel quarantine system, it’s apparent there is an urgent need for alternative facilities in Australia.”
‘This facility will assist Queensland in maintaining its openness and avoiding costly lockdowns.’
Meanwhile, David Crisafulli, the leader of the opposition, has criticized Wagner’s leasing arrangements.
‘The lease expires at the beginning of next year, and the Queensland government has already squandered millions of dollars on a facility that Queenslanders will never own.’