Tweed Shire Council announces tenders opening for new Animal Pound and Rehoming Centre at Murwillumbah

The Tweed is finally in line for a new Animal Pound and Rehoming Centre after the old facility was shut due to a tip expansion and flood concerns. Take a look.

The planned new Animal Pound and Rehoming Centre in the Tweed. Picture: Tweed Shire Council

The Tweed is finally in line for a new state-of-the-art Animal Pound and Rehoming Centre after the old facility was shut due to a tip expansion and flood concerns.

In late September 2019, the council’s pound was shut to the public to expand Stotts Creek Waste and Recovery Centre at Stotts Creek. The old pound was deemed flood-prone.

An artist impression. Picture: Tweed Shire Council

Director sustainable communities and environment Naomi Searle said Tweed Shire Council has worked with not-for-profit Friends of the Pound and set up a temporary arrangement for lost and impounded animals at a private kennel.

But the lease held by the community group at Murwillumbah is set to end on June 30.

“Unfortunately, the private lease arrangements have not been renewed, resulting in Friends of the pound having to relocate,” Ms Searle said.

“It is understood Friends of the Pound will relocate to their site in Tweed Heads, which we hope will prove to be a good outcome for them.

“We know construction of the new pound can’t come soon enough and we appreciate the patience of the community while we progress to the next stage of this project.”

An aerial shot of the site. Picture: Tweed Shire Council

On February 1 last year, the council submitted a development application for the new South Murwullumbah pound and consent was granted December 18.

Work is anticipated to kick off by mid to late year and due to be completed late 2025, weather permitting.

The council has begun calling for design and construction tenders for a main animal rehoming building and car park.

At a February 15 meeting, the council resolved to begin the first stage of the project – jointly funded by the council as well as state and federal governments – and approach the market.

The facility set to include vet care, a ranger’s office, administration area to be used and leased to the Friends of the Pound and more is due to pop up on council land at 92-102 Lundberg Dr.

The new Tweed pound is badly needed.

Ms Searle said: “We are pleased to announce the initiation of the tender process, inviting proposals for the design and construction of the primary animal rehoming facility and associated carpark.”

“This marks a significant step forward in providing improved care and facilities for our community’s animals,” she said.

The pound would be open to the public all week and have capacity for up to 80 animals, 40 dogs and 40 cats, with space to play and learn at the rear of the property.

Stage 2 involves an extra exercise yard, vehicle impoundment area and farm animal impoundment and shelters. It’s due to be built in parallel to the pound.

The first tender for minor earthworks was released to the market on March 1 and is set to close on March 27. The tender for the main pound building is due soon.

Funding

– Tweed Shire Council: $6m

– Federal government Covid-19 Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program: $1,761,562

– Richmond MP Justine Elliot’s election commitment $1 million

– NSW Office of Local Government grants: $375,000