The project is being modelled on the Howard Springs centre in the Northern Territory,which has proven to be highly effective at preventing leaks of COVID-19 compared tohotel quarantine.
Multiplex has been engaged to construct the facility,with 80 per cent of the buildings to be prefabricated off-site. The centre can be extended to 3000 beds but will be operational as soon as 500 are ready later this year.
Among the issues raised by the public at an information session on Thursday were questions about the impact onreal estate prices,the threat of the virus escaping into the community and why residents were only receiving information about the project now.
Locals were assured the facility would follow the highest infection-control standards set by Howard Springs,with staff fully vaccinated and unable to work second jobs.
On Friday,Premier Daniel Andrews was asked why the community had not been given the chance to give feedback on the centre.