A stand-alone quarantine centre for Victoria has taken a step forward with the federal government handing a memorandum of understanding to the state.
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The Victorian government put the proposal to the federal government in late April, with a site at Mickleham, north of Melbourne, as its preferred option ahead of Avalon Airport near Geelong.
Victoria wants the Commonwealth to fund and build the 500-bed facility at a cost of $200 million.
It would chip in $15 million for design of the centre, and also operate it.
However, it is understood the federal government prefers the Avalon Airport site.
The centre would operate "over and above" the current hotel quarantine system.
Victoria's Acting Premier James Merlino said he had a brief discussion with Prime Minister Scott Morrison about alternative quarantine arrangements on Wednesday night.
Mr Merlino said the Avalon proposal would work equally well compared to the Mickleham option.
"That is a call for the federal government," Mr Merlino said.
Australian Associated Press
