Council endorses new animal management facility

Published: 14 April 2021. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

A new animal management facility with more than double the capacity of the existing Council facility has been given the green light.

Council today approved the $7.3 million animal management facility, which will be built on Links Drive in Woree.

The purpose-built facility will be able to accommodate up to 72 dogs and 60 cats at any time and provide services including reclaiming of lost animals, rehoming, impounding and basic medical treatment for in-house animals.

The design includes medical treatment facilities, covered exercise yards, separate areas for holding general stray or impounded animals, provision for maternity or high-care situations, dangerous dogs, and diseased pets.

There is also a public reception area, administration office space, consultation room, meeting room, staff room, amenities, store, and laundry.

A report to Council to noted that the existing animal management facility at 148 McCoombe Street, Bungalow, has reached the end of its usefulness and will not meet future demands.

The facility is also challenging in terms of disease control and an animal management perspective due to poorly designed kennels and lack of drainage, temperature control and exercise yards.

J Hutchinson Pty Ltd has been awarded the $5.75 million contract to build the Links Drive animal management facility. The project is estimated to support 54 direct and indirect fulltime jobs in the local Cairns economy.