By Holly McGuinness
Mickleham’s $580 million COVID-19 quarantine facility will cease operating from next week.
The state government announced the closure on Tuesday, October 6, stating that the threat of COVID-19 has dwindled.
The purpose built facility became Victoria’s sole COVID-19 quarantine hub when hotel quarantine was phased out in February.
The facility on Donnybrook Road, Mickleham, will be considered for alternate uses, with one option to use the facility as emergency accommodation.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines said the closure is another step in Australia’s pandemic recovery.
“Australia needed these facilities before the pandemic first hit – but this important facility now exists as an insurance policy in the event of a future pandemic, or to provide accommodation in emergencies like natural disasters.”
The centre includes four secure villages, each with cabin-style accommodation.
The government said the open air environment lowered the risk of spreading the virus through corridors and shared space, a recurring issue for hotel quarantine facilities.
Since its opening in February in 2022, the facility has quarantined 2168 people and has the capacity to house 1000 at once.
Staff working at the facility will be transitioned to alternative employment with some staying onboard to assist in the shut down of the facility.
