Animal Shelter staff, along with Friends of Wingecarribee Animal Shelter (FOWAS) and Animal Shelter volunteer dog walkers and cat socialisers, are all looking with great anticipation toward sharing a new purpose-built facility, now that the construction tender has been awarded. At Council’s June 21 meeting, the tender was awarded to Puch Building & Constructions Pty Ltd, a new contractor to Wingecarribee Shire Council (WSC), with extensive experience in similar constructions.
FOWAS President Deborah Barnes says the organisation is so very pleased that years of fundraising and lobbying have come to fruition. “Our mission has always been to support Council to build a fit-for-purpose animal shelter and we look forward to offering financial assistance toward the build,” Deborah said.
With capacity to house up to over 90 potential companion-animals for our local community, the spacious new contemporary design for the Animal Shelter has the feel of a light-filled community centre, with welcoming reception area and meeting rooms. Based on best practice for animal care and re-homing, features include custom-built indoor holding pen spaces and adoption compounds, state-of-the-art examination facilities, and outdoor runs where rescues can remain active in recuperation.
Animal Shelter volunteer Sandra Jones believes the Southern Highlands community will applaud Council’s determination to build the new fit-for-purpose facility.
“Council is to be congratulated. The new building will be something Highlanders can be proud of, one that will properly accommodate animals as well as staff who work there,” Sandra says. “We especially appreciate that volunteer input to the build and functional, modern design was sought as part of Council’s very inclusive approach.”
Now in the final stages of contract execution, construction is anticipated to commence by August with a target date for completion of just 14 months, by October 2024. “Showing the Animal Shelter volunteers just how much we care about all they do for the community, this priority project is a big undertaking, calling for close collaboration with the many stakeholders involved,” says Council Administrator Mr Viv May.
A total budget allocation of $9.6million for the joint Animal Shelter and SES facilities construction, is comprised of $3.63m Council capital works reserve, $157k Council working capital and $4m Council loan funding, $310k bequeathed from a deceased estate, and a $1.5m NSW Government contribution toward completion of the SES facilities.
“Together, we’re delivering a vital piece of infrastructure for our current and future community,” Mr May said. The site provides enhanced accessibility for the public, with separate carparking allocated for each facility.
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