Government bankrolls multimillion-dollar upgrade to RSPCA Yagoona

The RSPCA centre at Yagoona will get a much-needed $12 million upgrade, after the NSW Government allocated the funds in the 2019/20 Budget.

Then Lands and Forestry Minister Paul Toole, right, with puppy Sammy, and Scott Myers, Chief Inspector, RSPCA, with Mandy, at the RSPCA site in Yagoona, when the $12m funding was announced in January. Picture: Lawrence Machado

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The RSPCA will begin a $12 million upgrade to its ageing facilities at Yagoona, following NSW Government’s confirmation of the funding.

The government initially announced the funding in January through then Lands and Forestry Minister Paul Toole at Yagoona.

The funding was included the allocations in last week’s Budget and will provide for an animal adoption centre, 90 new dog kennels, new catteries and an education centre.

“We hope to start in the next few months and it will take about 18 months to build,” a RSPCA spokesman said.

Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock, announcing the $12m upgrade for RSPCA Yagoona, along with RSPCA CEO Steve Coleman and East Hills state Liberal MP Wendy Lindsay (right).

“Apart from building facilities that will improve the welfare of the animals in our care, we are also aiming to make the site more visitor and volunteer friendly and one that will encourage community participation.”

NSW RSPCA, which looks after more than 32,000 animals each year, also had its Crown land lease extended till 2056 at a nominal $481 a year, compared to around $195,000 a year for a similar commercial site.

Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock said the RSPCA’s Yagoona centre serves an important part in the community, not only caring for animals but providing the education and training programs.

“Everyone knows the RSPCA does a great job caring for thousands of animals every year, so I am proud to commit $12 million to ensure the organisation can renew and expand their adoption facilities at Yagoona,” Mrs Hancock said.

“We are pleased this funding will ensure the RSPCA can continue its important work.”

The investment builds on a previous $7.5 million contribution by the Government used to rebuild and refurbish veterinary facilities at the centre.

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Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the current site is more than 40 years old.

“Each year around 15,000 cats and dogs are adopted through the Yagoona centre and with this major expansion, even more furry friends will now be able to find a home,” he said.

RSPCA CEO Steve Coleman said they wanted the centre “to see us through the next few decades and one that helps us promote responsible pet ownership in a positive way.”

“This facility is responsible for supporting, educating and helping communities that want to understand more about what an animal will mean for them in their lives,” he said.