Mareeba Animal Management Facility Officially Opens

Ms Cynthia Lui, Member for Cook has officially opened the new Mareeba Animal Management Facility.

Funded through the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program, the project provides a modern facility that meets current standards for health and safety, and animal welfare.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin explained the importance of the Mareeba animal management facility which includes a pound, a boarding kennel and an animal refuge. “The upgrade of the facility is long overdue, with the previous pound and animal refuge no longer meeting modern requirements. The new facility will allow the lessee to deliver a high-quality service now, and into the future.”

This project was proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mareeba Shire Council. This partnership reflects Council’s commitment under the Corporate Plan 2021 – 2025 to the provision of quality services and infrastructure that is planned and managed using sound asset management principles. Mayor Toppin explains, “The previous facility had reached the end of its useful life and Council prioritised this project in order to ensure that the service could continue in Mareeba. This was made possible due to the support of the State government.”

The Mareeba Shire Council budget for Health and Regulatory services for the 2021/22 financial year is approximately $2 million and with a project value of $1 million, the upgrade of the Mareeba pound is a significant investment into the future of animal management in the Shire.

Queensland Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd said the Queensland Government was proud to improve community facilities through Works for Queensland.

“The new Mareeba Animal Management Facility is important local infrastructure that will improve animal management and welfare and continue to encourage responsible pet ownership,” Ms Boyd said.

“The Queensland Government is listening to, and working with, local communities so we can continue to deliver infrastructure where it is needed.

“Building these facilities also supports more local jobs as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.”

The Mareeba Animal Refuge is located at 35 Hickling Avenue, Mareeba.