Council takes a step closer to delivering a new pound

A new animal pound to better accommodate and manage the region’s current and future small and large animal populations moved a step closer today.

Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said Sunshine Coast Council showed their commitment to safely house homeless, lost or abandoned animals by today endorsing the design of a much needed new pound facility at Sippy Creek.

“Sunshine Coast Council's region already has a strong pet population, with more than 38,000 dogs and 7000 cats registered and this will only increase,” Cr McKay said.

“We also have large hinterland communities and a significant farming industry base with high numbers of livestock and poultry.

“The proposed new pound is geographically central to the region’s animal management network and integral to servicing the Sunshine Coast Council area including domestic animals, livestock and poultry.

“Animal management and associated infrastructure is a core service of local government and the community has an expectation that this function is carried out in accordance with contemporary animal welfare obligations and legislation.

“The existing facility is split into small and large animal compounds at Tanawha and North Landsborough respectively. Both compounds are aging and outdated and have reached a stage where they no longer operate to required service levels.

“Pressures on the existing pound facilities only continue to increase due to current growth across the region, and future population growth forecast particularly within the areas of Caloundra South, Sippy Downs, Palmview and Maroochydore CBD.”

Cr McKay said council recognised the need to start work on construction of a new pound at the earliest possible time.

“A project cost review will now be undertaken and the outcome referred to the 2015/2016 Budget deliberation process to enable the construction of the new pound,” she said.

“The new Sippy Creek Animal Pound will have the ability to service the Sunshine Coast region’s animal management needs for 50 years and beyond and will align with contemporary animal welfare obligations and guidelines.

“The design and layout of the facility also allows for further expansion in conjunction with future population growth.

“The first stage of the project will include construction of one kennel and one cattery with 32 pens each.

“The site also has the capacity to provide another two kennels and one cattery with 32 pens each.”

The pound will be relocated to an adjacent site on Sippy Creek Road – Lot 427 SP237585 – and other key features of the first stage of the redevelopment design include:

• Large (cattle and other livestock) and small (dog and cats) animal enclosures contained within the one site;

• All stockyards to include access to water / food and shelter;

• Separation of functional spaces from operational staff and general public;

• Secure back-of-house area to ensure public safety;

• Pronounced administration building for clear identification of office;

• Separation of kennels and cattery; and

• Inclusion of transfer bay to ensure safe and secure transferral of animals from vehicles to kennels, cages or yards.