It has long been promised and now it has finally begun – stakeholders and supporters were on site at South Murwillumbah on Tuesday to mark the official start of work on the multi-million dollar Animal Pound and Rehoming Facility project.
The facility, when complete, will house up to 80 companion animals – 40 dogs and 40 cats – in need of new homes.
Friends of the Pound president, Sonia Trichter, said that Friends of the Pound have been eagerly anticipating the completion of the new impounding/rehoming facility. ‘We are frequently approached by community members who need to surrender their animals, often due to constraints within the rental housing market.
‘Unfortunately, our current accommodation limitations prevent us from always being able to assist.
Vital service
‘The new pound rehoming centre will significantly enhance our ability to offer this vital service to the public. We are looking forward to the improvements it will bring, allowing us to better support both the animals and the community in need.’
The animal rehoming building and carpark will be built on Council-owned land at 92 – 102 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah, with construction expected to commence later this year.
The facility, which will be built by Alder Constructions – who in June were awarded the $6.8 million design and construct contract for the new facility following a rigorous tendering process – is expected to be completed by late 2025, weather permitting.
Latest in animal welfare and rehoming codes
Designed in accordance with the latest in animal welfare and rehoming codes and guidelines, the new facility will include dog kennels, catteries and facilities for stockyard animals as well as a new administrative hub for a private rehoming service, currently provided by not-for-profit partner Friends of the Pound.
There will also be additional exercise yards for volunteer staff to exercise the animals on site, an important element of the design.
The centre will also provide a new home for Council’s Rangers Unit, with space for impounded property.
Stotts Creek site flood-prone
The new centre will replace Council’s former pound at Stotts Creek, which closed in 2019 after it was found to be flood-prone, and the area was required as part of the expansion of Council’s Resource and Recovery Centre.
Currently, impounded animals are being cared for by a private operator, with the support of rehoming services by Friends of the Pound.
Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot – who committed $1 million towards the project at the last election – as well as representatives from Friends of the Pound and Tweed Shire Council gathered to mark the start of construction of the $9.1 million project.
Mrs Elliot said she was proud to be delivering on her election commitment of $1 million to complete the centre at South Murwillumbah. ‘The $1 million in funding from the Albanese Labor Government comes on top of a further $1.76 million in federal funding for this vital project.
The latest in animal welfare
‘The design and build of this new facility is in line with the latest in animal welfare guidelines and features new dog kennels, catteries and facilities for stockyard animals, which will replace Council’s former pound at Stotts Creek.
Funding for Stage 1 of the project has been provided by: the Australian Government LRCI Phase 3 – COVID 19 Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Guidelines – $1,761,562; the Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot’s election commitment – $1 million; the NSW Office of Local Government – Local Government Grants (Floods) – Highly Impacted Councils – Companion Animals Support – $375,000; and Tweed Shire Council – $6 million.
A project Council has been planning for some time
Deputy Mayor of Tweed Shire Meredith Dennis said that Council can’t wait for the completion of the facility. ‘This will enhance the welfare of animals in the Tweed, a project Council has been planning for some time.
‘This new centre will consolidate the impounding, sheltering and rehoming of animals, along with providing veterinary care. It will also accommodate vehicle impoundment, serve as a new office for our rangers, and function as an administrative hub for our non-profit animal rehoming partners, Friends of the Pound.
‘The facility will provide much improved services, including an outdoor exercise yard for the animals and has been designed to the latest standards. We are thrilled to have this centre for the Tweed.’
The dedication of Friends of the Pound
Mrs Elliot said she wanted to acknowledge the dedication and the long-standing involvement of Friends of the Pound, the not-for-profit animal rescue charity in this project. ‘Friends of the Pound work closely with Council and the community to ensure our precious animals are cared for and rehomed.
‘I also congratulate Tweed Shire Council’s commitment to this new facility, and I’m pleased that construction can now begin.’
For more information on the pound, visit: tweed.nsw.gov.au/tweed-pound.
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