A PURPOSE-built 500-bed former COVID quarantine facility in Bullsbrook that has sat idle since its completion in 2022 is now being put forward by the state government as a possible prison.

Up until now the $400 million Centre for National Resilience has represented a significant cost to taxpayers with no clear long-term plan.

And although the decision about the Bullsbrook site’s future lies officially with the federal government the WA state government has flagged the idea of using it as a new prison.

The compound is about 40 minutes east of Perth - leading the WA government to argue it is too isolated for housing homeless or rough sleepers.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has also expressed interest in utilising the facility as a training site similar to how the Brisbane quarantine facility was repurposed for the AFP in 2024.

Apart from being used to house about 70 residents forced to flee their homes after the Mariginiup bushfires in 2023, the facility has remained almost completely unused.

Liberal MLC Anthony Spagnolo has raised serious concerns about the prison plan.

“The proposal highlights ongoing issues with the government’s planning and priorities, particularly in communities like Bullsbrook that are already feeling overlooked,” Mr Spagnolo said.

“Bullsbrook residents have already been dealing with repeated power outages this year, with delays to fixes leaving families frustrated and concerned, especially given the bushfire risks in the area.

“Now, after years of inaction on this facility, the government’s answer appears to be dropping a prison into the community.”

Mr Spagnolo said the situation reflected a broader pattern under the Cook Labor government.

“Time and again we are seeing major decisions made without proper planning or consultation and communities left to deal with the consequences,” he said.

“The government should provide a clear and detailed explanation of its intentions for the site and how it aligns with the needs of the local community.

“These decisions have real impacts on people’s lives, and they need to be made with proper planning, proper consultation, and a clear understanding of the consequences.”

Member for Swan Hills Michelle Maynard MLA said she would work with the minister’s office to communicate the community’s views on any proposal for the future of the Centre of National Resilience.

“As has been made clear by homelessness advocacy groups it is clearly not acceptable to house people in the short term,” Mrs Maynard said.

“But it’s critical we expand the prison estate and I know the Labor government is continually reviewing options to manage prison capacity and ensure the safety of the community.”

Minister for corrective services Paul Papalia said the government’s focus remained on maintaining a safe, secure and effective corrective services system.