All-purpose Victorian quarantine hub set to welcome first group of travellers

Victoria’s Mickleham quarantine hub finally welcomed its first group of travellers last month, even though it’s still under construction.

By the end of the month, the hub will be Victoria’s sole quarantine facility as hotel quarantine arrangements come to an end. 

Initial construction costs were estimated at $200 million, but the federal government estimates it will end up costing closer to $580 million. 

Critics have dubbed it the “white elephant”; however the federal and Victorian governments say that this purpose built facility will be crucial as COVID continues to threaten with future variants and with other pandemics.

Emma Cassar, head of Victoria’s quarantine program says the facility is the “safest possible facility that we can have for a pandemic. 

“Having lived this pandemic for the last two years, the one thing we know is when we think we understand it, we’re quickly shown by this virus how quickly it can change, and we certainly see really big numbers over in the UK and Canada,” Cassar says.

Once completed, the facility will have capacity for 1000 people. 

Fees will be $1500 for adult travellers, with an additional $500 per additional adult and $250 for children aged three to 18.

The site could also be used for alternative purposes such as Daniel Andrews suggestion for it to be used for short term accommodation for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion.

Cassar also states it can be used for domestic violence victims and flood evacuees.

Irit Jackosn, 16^th March 2022