By Alesha Capone
The state government has named Avalon Airport as the back-up site for a Victorian COVID-19 quarantine hub to be built, with the preferred choice being a location in the northern suburbs.
Acting Premier James Merlino announced today that the state government’s first choice was to build the 500-bed hub on Donnybrook Road, Mickleham, in the Hume municipality.
Mr Merlino said the centre, which will provide an alternative to hotel quarantine, would cost around $200 million to construct.
The state government is set to begin negotiating funding for the project with the federal government, at a national cabinet tomorrow.
However, Mr Merlino said that if the federal government turns down the idea of building the quarantine hub in Mickleham, Avalon was the second choice for the facility to be located.
The Age has reported Mr Merlino as saying: “Ultimately this project requires the approval of the Commonwealth.”
In February, Avalon Airport released an announcement which said: “We welcome the Premier’s announcement today that Avalon Airport is under consideration to house an isolated purpose-built quarantine facility.
“We are keen to assist where we can during this crisis, and our proposal is an offer in the hope that we can help find a solution for people returning to Australia.”
