The NSW government is due to reveal on Thursday that it will establish a new mass COVID-19 vaccination centre in the Wollongong CBD.
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When asked if the government was considering Wollongong as a site for a vaccination centre, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said, "We are, and I'll have imminent details about that".
But the Illawarra Mercury understands a building in Crown Street Mall, which formerly housed the David Jones department store, has already been leased and is in the process of being fitted out.
"We need to start doing the work now, to make sure we have enough access points to give the vaccine out when the supply arrives," Ms Berejiklian said.
"We don't have the supply now, we're told it's coming, so we need to be ready for that."
It follows calls from Keira MP Ryan Park, the opposition's health spokesperson, to establish such a facility in the Illawarra.
"The NSW government has classified the region as part of Greater Sydney when it comes to this lockdown and whilst I understand that decision especially given the nature of the Delta variant of this virus, it also means we need one of these facilities up and running as soon as possible," Mr Park said yesterday.
"We need people to come forward and get vaccinated. I am hearing countless stories from locals who are having trouble getting the vaccine or are waiting weeks on end."
Mr Park wrote to Health Minister Brad Hazzard earlier this week to request the establishment of such a centre in the region.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward confirmed he had also spoken to Mr Hazzard about putting a vaccination hub in Wollongong, and said the minister thought it was a "sensible" idea.
"Having our region vaccinated is the best defence against this virus, and that would obviously prevent future outbreaks and lockdowns in places like Wollongong," Mr Ward said.
There is already a mass vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park, while another is due to open shortly in Lake Macquarie.
More than 830,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in NSW so far.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
