The Tweed Shire Council has awarded a $6.8 million contract for design and construction of a new state-of-the-art animal pound and rehoming centre.
The council says a private operator, with the support of rehoming services by Friends of the Pound, has been caring for impounded animals in the shire since the old pound at Stotts Creek closed in 2019.
Council investigations had found the site to be flood-prone and the land was needed for a Resource and Recovery Centre expansion.
The new centre is to be open to the public seven days a week with room for up to 80 companion animals, being 40 dogs and 40 cats.
The main animal rehoming building and carpark is to be built on council-owned land at 92 – 102 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah after rehabilitation of the former tip site.
Federal Labor commits $2.8 million towards pound
Councillors last week voted unanimously to award the contract for the new facility to Alder Construction Pty Ltd, described as a local company, having received submissions from six companies.
The council says the total project budget is $9.1 million, with council investment supplemented by around $2.8 million in federal funds and $375,000 in state funding.
Tweed Shire Chris Cherry says the one-stop-shop centre will include impounding, sheltering, and rehoming of animals and their veterinary care; the impoundment of vehicles; a new office base for rangers; and a new administrative centre for Friends of the Pound.
Construction is expected to start in the second half of this year and to finish by late 2025, weather permitting.
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