Published Sunday, 18 May, 2008 at 05:00 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
BLIGH DELIVERS BIGGER BETTER HOME FOR RSPCA
Premier Anna Bligh attended the RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk with her Golden Retriever Zeddy today where she announced a bigger, better home for its Queensland operations.
Ms Bligh said the former John Oxley Youth Detention Centre site and adjoining land at Wacol would be provided for the relocation and expansion of RSPCA operations in Queensland.
The site, valued at up to $7 million, will take the Government’s contribution to the new operations to $19 million.
“RSPCA Queensland has outgrown its rundown Fairfield depot and the Government has worked in partnership with them to find an alternative site for its relocation and expansion,” Ms Bligh said.
“The former Redbank Rifle Range site was originally proposed, but further investigations have revealed extensive underground mining on the site, which would restrict the amount of land that could be built on.
“The John Oxley site has been dormant for seven years and as well as being a perfect alternative for the RSPCA, it is a great opportunity for renewal in the area.
“It has significant infrastructure already in place that can be adapted to meet the RSPCA’s needs and at twice the size of the Fairfield operations there is plenty of room for it to grow.
“The RSPCA has played a vital role in the protection of animals in Queensland for more than a century and this new site will ensure it has the facilities it needs to deliver its much-needed services in the future,” she said.
Ms Bligh said the Government’s $19 million contribution was made up of a $10 million capital grant, plus the proceeds from the sale of the current Fairfield site estimated at up to $2 million, and the gifting of the John Oxley site valued at up to $7 million.
The RSPCA Board President Eileen Thumpkin said the alternative site was ideal.
“I am delighted – this will mark a new beginning for not only RSPCA Queensland, but for the site itself,” Ms Thumpkin said.
“This site will be so much more than a new shelter for neglected and abused animals. It will give us the opportunity to create the Animal Care Centre, which will expand our education program and help us provide better care for the animals that need it most.”
Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk also welcomed the announcement.
“The John Oxley site is a great location for the RSPCA’s new operations and I’m glad to see the land going towards such a great community cause,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The establishment of the Animal Care Centre, which is a unique and innovative centre of excellence for animal welfare, will provide fantastic educational opportunities for local schools and I look forward to working closely with the RSPCA to ensure we capitalise on these,” she said.
The redevelopment will include a commemoration of the past use and history of the site.
It is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or 0415 385 602 (Michael Beatty RSPCA)
Ms Bligh said the former John Oxley Youth Detention Centre site and adjoining land at Wacol would be provided for the relocation and expansion of RSPCA operations in Queensland.
The site, valued at up to $7 million, will take the Government’s contribution to the new operations to $19 million.
“RSPCA Queensland has outgrown its rundown Fairfield depot and the Government has worked in partnership with them to find an alternative site for its relocation and expansion,” Ms Bligh said.
“The former Redbank Rifle Range site was originally proposed, but further investigations have revealed extensive underground mining on the site, which would restrict the amount of land that could be built on.
“The John Oxley site has been dormant for seven years and as well as being a perfect alternative for the RSPCA, it is a great opportunity for renewal in the area.
“It has significant infrastructure already in place that can be adapted to meet the RSPCA’s needs and at twice the size of the Fairfield operations there is plenty of room for it to grow.
“The RSPCA has played a vital role in the protection of animals in Queensland for more than a century and this new site will ensure it has the facilities it needs to deliver its much-needed services in the future,” she said.
Ms Bligh said the Government’s $19 million contribution was made up of a $10 million capital grant, plus the proceeds from the sale of the current Fairfield site estimated at up to $2 million, and the gifting of the John Oxley site valued at up to $7 million.
The RSPCA Board President Eileen Thumpkin said the alternative site was ideal.
“I am delighted – this will mark a new beginning for not only RSPCA Queensland, but for the site itself,” Ms Thumpkin said.
“This site will be so much more than a new shelter for neglected and abused animals. It will give us the opportunity to create the Animal Care Centre, which will expand our education program and help us provide better care for the animals that need it most.”
Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk also welcomed the announcement.
“The John Oxley site is a great location for the RSPCA’s new operations and I’m glad to see the land going towards such a great community cause,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The establishment of the Animal Care Centre, which is a unique and innovative centre of excellence for animal welfare, will provide fantastic educational opportunities for local schools and I look forward to working closely with the RSPCA to ensure we capitalise on these,” she said.
The redevelopment will include a commemoration of the past use and history of the site.
It is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or 0415 385 602 (Michael Beatty RSPCA)