Bright Future for Council and MAPR Partnership

21 September 2018

BRIGHT FUTURE FOR COUNCIL AND MAPR PARTNERSHIP

The doors are almost open to the new Goondiwindi animal shelter, the new home to animal management services in the region.

Construction of the new shelter began in May this year using local trades and suppliers and is due to be completed at the end of the month.

The new facility will include a veterinary room, kennel, cattery, and isolation room for animals impounded by Council. There will also be a secure, shaded outdoor run.

For the first time, the use and management of the region’s animal shelter will be shared between Goondiwindi Regional Council and Macintyre Animal and Pet Rescue (MAPR).

Carey Emmerton, President of MAPR, said the team were very excited for the new Boundary Road facility and the impact it would have on the organisation and the animals they care for.

‘It will be so much nicer for the volunteers, but the big thing for us is what it means for the animals,’ Ms Emmerton said.

‘With the new space we’ll be able to take on a few more animals at a time. It will be so much more humane and a big improvement to the old pound,’ she said.

Goondiwindi Regional Council Director of Corporate and Community Services Jason Quinnell said investing in the facility was something Council had wanted to do properly.

‘The old facility was dated, and expensive to operate and clean,’ Mr Quinnell said. ‘The partnership with MAPR will help to reduce operating costs for Council in the long term, and the quality of the site means we’re looking at a 60 – 80 year investment.’

Goondiwindi Regional Council will continue to manage the care and feeding of its impounded animals from Mondays to Fridays, until the animal either is returned to owner or determined fit for re-homing as part of the MAPR program. On Saturdays and Sundays, MAPR will manage these animals’ care.

Consultation took place with MAPR at every stage of development to ensure the site was suitable for their animal rescue operations. Further additions to the site will be made by MAPR for their operations through grant funding.

‘Unfortunately we’ve been running low on foster carers, so we’re really looking forward to getting the community involved down the track with open days and the chance to meet the animals or take part in education sessions,’ Ms Emmerton said.

‘We can’t wait to get in and running and we can’t thank Council enough. They have bent over backwards to help this project,’ she said. ‘We’re really excited and it’s great to see what can happen when we’re working together.’

Mayor Graeme Scheu was similarly enthusiastic about the project and future partnership.

‘A project of this kind in the region really demonstrates Council’s commitment to providing community facilities,’ Councillor Scheu said.

‘Council is proud to be able to provide such excellent animal management facilities in partnership with a community group. I look forward to the partnership with MAPR and trust the new shelter will be a great asset to the wonderful work they do in our community.’