A spokesman said there were already 70 clinics across the country and contracts for "numerous" additional sites, including a site in Orange, had also been executed.

"The GP-led respiratory clinics are assessing patients with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, collecting specimens where appropriate, and providing clinical guidance," a spokesman said.

"Existing general practices are being contracted to provide the services.

"In some instances, temporary structures are being provided to supplement existing buildings."

He said the 31 primary health networks across the country had been tasked with working with their hospital networks and general practices to identify the best sites, and to develop mobile models "where appropriate".

"All PHNs have submitted recommended sites to the department which are being assessed and rolled out rapidly with assistance from Aspen Medical," he said.

The department would not confirm where Orange's clinic would be located or when it would become active.

The federal government will spend almost $207 million on up to 100 GP-led respiratory clinics as part of its coronavirus response.

They are different to fever clinics, which are run from hospitals, but both are intended to ease pressure on the hospital system.