The Mackay Animal Management Centre will soon be able to help more animals than ever, with the support of the Palaszczuk Government’s successful $365 million Building our Regions (BoR) program.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert joined Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher to visit the centre today to inspect the site for the $3 million expansion.
“The Palaszczuk Government is pleased to provide $1,274,500 in funding through BoR Round 5, to the Mackay Regional Council for this important local project, which will support approximately 10 jobs during construction,” Mrs Gilbert said.
“I have worked closely with Mackay Regional Council to identify much needed local projects, like this one, that are eligible for State Government support that deliver both important local infrastructure and jobs for locals.
“For more than 20 years, staff at the centre have been ensuring local animals are provided with the care they need and promoting responsible pet ownership in the community.
“These upgrades will ensure staff are able to continue the wonderful job they do for many years to come, and that local animals receive the care they need.
“When completed, the centre will be able to accommodate approximately 15,000 animals annually, allowing for re-homing and encouraging pet ownership.”
Project works include refurbishment of the existing 1997-built structure, construction of a new kennel building and new administration building, as well as more parking for staff and visitors.
Minister Butcher said the commencement of construction projects are part of the Palaszczuk Government’s plan to Unite and Recover to invest in new infrastructure to position our state for future success and support local jobs.
“We know it’s not just Queensland communities that are doing it tough, COVID-19 is having a significant impacts on communities and economies right around the world,” Mr Butcher said.
“That’s why we are focused on delivering our plan to Unite and Recover, but supporting local projects and local jobs.
“We’ve listened to communities, we’re working with councils, and we’re strengthening Queensland’s economic recovery by delivering the local infrastructure our regions need at a time they need these projects most.
“We are also working to ensure these projects are progressed quickly to make sure the benefits are felt sooner in our communities and to give industry increased confidence.”
For the latest round of BoR projects the Queensland Government is partnering with 39 councils on 48 projects, supporting an estimated construction 347 jobs across regional Queensland.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the animal shelter expansion is great news for the community.
“This will ensure we keep seeing positive outcomes when it comes to animal care in Mackay,” Mayor Williamson said.
“In the current climate it’s crucial that state and local governments work together to push forward with projects like this, and BoR gives us that financial boost.”
Under rounds 1–5 of BoR, funding has been allocated to 271 projects across 67 local government areas in regional Queensland, supporting an estimated 2767 jobs during construction.
These projects have attracted additional investment of over $538 million from local governments and other organisations.
Learnmore about the projects funded through BoR Round 5.
