Two birds, one stone: Lord Mayor’s bold idea for Pinkenba quarantine site
The Lord Mayor is floating a new use for Brisbane’s $400 million quarantine facility in Pinkenba.
Under Adrian Schrinner’s proposal, the yet-to-open facility would be turned into crisis housing for domestic violence escapees.
He’s urging the federal government to take consider the idea or risk the hub going to waste, as the state government’s costly Wellcamp facility sits almost empty.
“While I’m sure there will be bureaucrats who argue this facility wasn’t designed for this purpose, cars weren’t designed to be permanent accommodation either, however that’s the tragic alternative for an alarming number of people right now,” he said.
“As we face the twin scourges of a housing crisis and domestic violence coming together, the new Pinkenba facility has an important role to play.”
He told Neil Breen the quicker accommodation can be found, the better.
The facility will be able to house up to 1000 people.
“It is a roof over people’s heads, a safe place for them to go, and at the moment there are people sleeping in cars, cars were not designed to be slept in either.
“This is a much better option for people that are in a situation of need right now, across Brisbane and across south-east Queensland.”
The Lord Mayor said often women trying to escape violence have nowhere to go.
Press PLAY below to hear more about his idea