Western Australia Is Sitting On A $400 Million Quarantine Facility That’s Currently Useless

An addiction support group has called on the McGowan Government to turn an unused multi-million dollar quarantine facility for interstate and overseas visitors into a rehab centre.

The vacant Western Australia Covid Centre in Bullsbrook was finished at the end of August but currently has no purpose, as travellers can now isolate in their personal accommodation of preference if they test positive to COVID while in the state.

The $400 million building was contracted in conjunction with the Federal Government, and includes accommodation for 500 singles and families, a health centre, admin hubs, kitchen and laundry facilities, and a gatehouse, as reported by 10 News.

Shalom House in Perth publicly expressed interest in the space on Tuesday as an opportunity to help more people struggling with substance abuse and emotional trauma in WA as an expansion of their holistic rehabilitation program.

“I would welcome the opportunity to work with the State and Federal Government for Shalom to use this facility for the short or long-term,” said founder Peter Lyndon-James. “We would easily be able to fill half the facility.

“This would enable Shalom to consolidate its operations into one location while at the same time enabling us to search, identify and apply for permission to set up our operations for our Women’s, Men’s and Families program,” he said, noting a high demand for their services exceeding the 160 residents currently in the program.

“We are not asking for money, but just a place to call home until we can find a location to operate without upsetting anyone.”

Premier Mark McGowan responded to Shalom House’s call, saying the operation of the Bullsbrook quarantine facility was still in the hands of the Albanese Government, but their agreement maintained the facility’s purpose was solely for COVID quarantine at this point in time — a catch-22 for the mammoth property that’s still just sitting there.

“The Western Australian and Australian governments are considering a range of potential future uses for the facility,” said McGowan in correspondence from July. “This involves considering the appropriateness of the location, building design, and availability of nearby services, as well as compatibility with possible future quarantine requirements.”