Mount Gambier vaccination hub a priority

Tuesday May 04, 2021

Media Release published by The Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell

Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has said Mount Gambier should be a high priority for the state's next vaccination hub.

 

This week, the Independent MP raised the issue in Parliament, requesting the government give a firm timeline for the establishment of a hub in Mount Gambier.

 

The State Government announced a vaccination hub would be opened at the Adelaide Showgrounds and further hubs for Elizabeth and Noarlunga by early June.

 

However, Mr Bell said there was no mention of South Australia's second largest city.

 

"Whilst I understand the Governments intent to service metropolitan Adelaide and surrounds, there are 60,000 people in the Limestone Coast who are also awaiting their vaccinations," he said.

 

"My office is getting inundated with calls from residents saying that they can't book a time at their local medical clinics and some indicating that they can receive the vaccination if they travel to Adelaide.

 

"Clinics are given 50 doses per week and at that rate have indicated to me that they will be vaccinating until 2023. The regions cannot be forgotten. Mount Gambier needs to be a high priority."

 

Mr Bell said residents over 50 in the Limestone Coast should not have to travel to Adelaide for their vaccination.

 

"SA's Chief Public Health Officer, Nicola Spurrier, is on record as saying the hubs are an important step in the state's vaccine rollout strategy," he said.

 

"Surely the state’s second largest city should be an active participant in that strategy."