Shovels ready at the Tweed's new animal rehoming facility

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.

For more information on the pound, visit: tweed.nsw.gov.au/tweed-pound

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“It’s fantastic to see work underway on Tweed Shire Council’s new pound and rehoming facility – one of the many projects we’re getting off the ground in the Tweed region, in partnership with all levels of government.

“This is something that the Tweed community have long called for, which is why we’re investing $2.7 million to make it happen, as part of our commitment to supporting local priority projects that are high impact.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot MP:

“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. 

“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 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.

“I’d like 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 thanks to my election commitment funding from the Albanese Labor Government.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin MP: 

“I’ve watched this closely because it is such a worthwhile project and a great example of local, NSW and Australian governments working together for what will be a much-improved community facility.

“I know it is a project dear to my colleague Richmond MP Justine Elliot’s heart, as well as all of Tweed Shire Council, and will be a major boost for the dedicated Friends of the Pound members and everyone who loves and cares for our companion animals.

“I also congratulate Alder Construction Pty Ltd on winning the contract to design and build the new pound and rehoming facility to the highest animal welfare standards.” 

Quotes attributable to Deputy Mayor of Tweed Shire, Cr Meredith Dennis:

“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.”