The Albanese and Minns Labor governments continue to partner with Tweed Shire Council to get high-impact community infrastructure off the ground - with work on the new Animal Pound and Rehoming Facility at South Murwillumbah officially underway.
Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot - who committed $1 million towards the project at the last election, joined representatives today from Tweed Shire Council and Friends of the Pound to turn the first sod.
The $9.1 million facility, supported by $2.7 million from the Albanese Government, $375,000 from the NSW Government, and $6 million from Tweed Shire Council, will house companion animals, including dogs and cats, in need of new homes.
To be delivered by Alder Construction Pty Ltd, the facility has been designed in accordance with the latest animal welfare and rehoming codes and guidelines.
It will include dog kennels, catteries and facilities for animal agistment, 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 be additional yards for volunteer staff to exercise the animals on site - an important element of the design, along with a new home for the Council's Ranger Unit, with space for impounded property.
Currently, impounded animals are being cared for by a private operator, with the support of rehoming services by Friends of the Pound.
The facility is expected to be completed by mid-2025, weather permitting.
