Federal member for Richmond Justine Elliot, Friends of the Pound President Sonia Trichter, Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry, and Tweed Shire Council manager Troy Green were all in attendance last Friday (12 December) to cut the ribbon on the Tweed Shire Council’s (TSC) newly built Animal Management Facility located in Murwillumbah South.
The purpose-built centre was a 9.2 million dollar project and will house up to 80 companion animals (40 dogs and 40 cats) and includes facilities for stockyard animals.
The facility was a commitment during Justine Elliot’s election campaign, after the region’s previous pound – located at Stotts Creek – was closed in 2019 after the 2017 floods.
TSC manager Troy Green said that the old Stotts Creek Pound is ‘by no means a comparison to the newly built facility.’
‘Not only is the new facility flood free, but it consolidates the impounding, sheltering and rehoming of animals, along with providing veterinary care.
‘The facility shall also accommodate vehicle impoundment, service a new Ranger office and function as an administrative hub for ‘Friends of the Pound.’
‘The facility features amazing outdoor exercise yards built to the latest standards.
‘There is also significant acoustic treatment to keep the peace for these animals, as the venue is located in an industry-dense area,’ Mr Green said.
Friends of the pound
Friends of the Pound (FoP) are a local non- for-profit animal rehoming and rescue group of 25 years.
President Sonia Trichter said that FoP have been waiting for a facility like this for 15 years, and it will make them a better, stronger organisation.’
‘I thank everybody who has been involved in the construction of this facility, Ms Trichter said
By the end of this week we will have the lease signed and we will be in.
Ms Trichter explained that in the past, without a proper facility, FoP was a more fragmented operative that cared for dogs, cats and rabbits.
‘Now, we use this as a place to home dogs, cats and rabbits from the Pound.
‘We are also looking forward to having some of those dogs go through our training program.
‘Dogs coming straight from the pound will receive Vet care, feeding, exercise and training.
‘Once we have the finished product the next step is matching them with a new family, Ms Trichter said.
Elliot delivers on election commitment
‘I’m proud to be delivering on my election commitment of $1 million to complete Tweed Shire Council and Friends of the Pound’s new animal pound and rehoming centre at South Murwillumbah,’ Federal member for Richmond Justine Elliot said.
‘The $1 million in funding from the Albanese Labor government comes on top of a further $1.76 million in Australian government’s funding for this vital project.
‘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,’ Ms Elliot said.
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