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Supporters of the Tweed’s new Animal Pound and Rehoming Facility were on site at South Murwillumbah today to mark the official start of work on the multi-million project, which will house up to 80 companion animals – 40 dogs and 40 cats – in need of new homes.
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 facility.
Also in attendance were representatives from Alder, who in June were awarded the $6.8 million design and construct contract for the new facility following a rigorous tendering process.
The animal rehoming building and carpark will be built on flood-free, Council-owned land at 92 – 102 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah, with construction expected to commence later this year.
The facility is expected to be completed by mid-2025, weather permitting.
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.
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.
Funding for Stage 1 of the project has been provided by the following partners:
- Australian Government LRCI Phase 3 - COVID 19 Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Guidelines – $1,761,562
- Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot election commitment – $1 million
- NSW Office of Local Government - Local Government Grants (Floods) – Highly Impacted Councils - Companion Animals Support - $375,000
- Tweed Shire Council – $6 million.
Deputy Mayor of Tweed Shire Meredith Dennis OAM said:
“We can’t wait for the completion of this fantastic new facility which 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.”
Alder CEO Dean Cheffers said:
“Following the successful delivery of Industry Central on Lundberg Drive, which is fast approaching completion, we are thrilled to be commencing work on yet another rewarding project for Tweed Shire Council.
“This centre is a much-needed community service which we understand is currently without a proper home. This purpose-built facility will help improve these services and the forecasted growing need, while providing benefit for both the people and animals who will use it.
“The project is to be completed as a full design and construct contract, with Alder responsible for designing, constructing, coordinating and overseeing all aspects of the works. Alder will work collaboratively with Tweed Shire Council, Friends of the Pound and Council Rangers to ensure a successful project for all parties. We are expected to have the project completed by mid-2025.”
Friends of the Pound President Sonia Trichter said:
“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.
“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.”
For more information on the pound, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/tweed-pound.
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