Council chooses tender to design upgraded animal pound
GLADSTONE Regional Council is a step closer to upgrading its animal pound facilities after choosing a consultant to design the facility to meet future regional demands.
Council's environment portfolio spokesman Col Chapman said refurbishment of council's former pound site, off Hanson Rd, had been allocated $1 million of capital funding in the 2012-13 budget.
"The end of private operator arrangements for animal impoundment in the region led council to the decision to return to utilising its original pound location," Cr Chapman said.
"Currently, this site is temporarily occupied by Friends of the RSPCA as a makeshift adoption centre, until such time that council requires the facility.
"Development of the former pound was considered beneficial due to its location, historical use, provision of crematoria infrastructure and the potential re-use of some existing facilities."
Cr Chapman said construction and refurbishment plans would ensure adequate provisions were in place to deal with anticipated regional demands.
The council expects the number of impounded pets to double between now and 2031.
The pound refurbishment project will include construction of 30 dog kennels plus an area for cat cages, a small office/kitchenette with a drop-off area, equipment storage areas, a veterinary area and car parking.
Council has accepted a tender from GHD for the provision of consultancy services for architectural design and project
management to construct and refurbish the pound facilities.
