More of Gunnedah’s pets will soon have a second chance at a happy home with the NSW Government providing more than $1 million to help fund Gunnedah Shire Council’s planned $1.5 million Gunnedah Animal Impound Facility.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the new facility would replace the existing, much smaller facility and provide temporary housing for dogs and cats.

“Particularly now after the festive season and the easing of COVID restrictions, we’re seeing an influx of unwanted dogs and cats as the excitement of a new pet can become too much of a responsibility for some,” Mr Anderson said.

“These animals deserve a second shot at a happy home which is why it’s great news that the NSW National’s Stronger Country Communities Fund has delivered more than $1 million to make this facility possible.

“The new facility will meet the rising demand of a growing town while providing comfortable accommodation for the animals and modern office space for the staff who keep the facility running.”

The proposed new building is 33.2 metres by 14.2 metres, with a gross floor area of 361.85 square metres and on completion will support up to twenty (20) dogs and twenty five (25) cats. 

Key features of the design include a separate cattery and kennels, staff office space and customer reception areas, with facility rooms that incorporate temporary dog pens, a vet room, laundry, food preparation room, storage amenities, garage, rehoming animal orientation space and grassed free range exercise area.

Gunnedah Shire Council are also contributing $487,706 to ensure the facility is delivered.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was fantastic news that Council could start the ball rolling on the much-anticipated project.

“This is great news for our Regulatory Services staff and the animals they take into care,” he said.

“The new facility will have the capacity to house double the number of dogs and triple the number of cats.

“The dogs will have room to run in the exercise area, and cats will have peace and quiet in the separate cattery.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said in the past five years the Stronger Country Communities Fund had delivered more than 2000 grassroots projects, benefitting every Local Government Area in regional NSW.

“We all know how important it is for communities to have great places to come together to build social connections and boost their wellbeing through sport or community events,” Mr Toole said. 

“It’s the little things that make a big difference to the way we all work, live, play and do business, and the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are delivering the projects that make a difference to everyday life right across regional NSW, from Byron Bay to Bega to Broken Hill.”

Round Five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund will support local community and sporting infrastructure projects, street beautification, public programs and events that display the best of local character and community spirit.

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure in the regions.

For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/sccf