The future of the Queensland government-backed Wellcamp facility has been questioned, as only seven of the 1,000 beds in the quarantine accommodation are used.
The government has not disclosed the cost of the building, citing commercial reasons.
But the opposition leader says the building, backed by the state government and currently being rented out for the COVID-19 pandemic, has cost Queensland $ 200 million.
Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that flu shots will be free for Queensland residents from tomorrow until June 30. (New)
“Wellcamp is W for waste,” said state opposition leader David Crisafulli.
“The $ 200 million figure has never been discussed.
“We know that more than $ 200 million has been invested in renting a facility that Queensland residents will never have and that currently houses half a dozen people while the government is paying for hotel rooms and this place already it’s over “.
Seven of the 1000 Weelcamp beds are currently in use. (new)
Queensland Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk defended the facility, which was implemented during the heyday of the COVID-19 pandemic and designed to isolate interstate and international arrivals in the state.
“At the time, the people of Queensland wanted the state government to step in and do something, and that’s exactly what we did,” he said.
“There are many opportunities for it to be used by a wide range of people.”
David Crisafulli claims that the Wellcamp quarantine facility is a waste of taxpayers’ money. (new)
The opposition has questioned whether the Queensland government’s lease of the Wellcamp facilities will be renewed next year.
It has been suggested that the facility could be used as a potential center for survivors of domestic violence or displaced by natural disasters.
“We’re going to look at all of these issues when it comes to that,” Palaszczuk said.
The LNP has focused its attention on the next government budget.
“It’s been a total waste of taxpayer money,” Jarrod Bleije said.
“I’m very concerned that the only way for this government to pay for budget receipts and all the waste is taxes: raising taxes.”