First sod turned at new RSCPA site

More than 700 neglected and abused animals will find a home at the new RSPCA headquarters in Wacol when it opens later this year.

Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten today turned the first sod on the site of the former John Oxley Detention Centre, which will be converted into the new facility.

Mr Schwarten said the Queensland Government had provided $12 million towards the expansion as well as donating the site which is valued at around $7 million.

“Instead of demolishing the Detention Centre at significant cost it makes a lot of sense to convert it into an animal welfare centre and as such everyone wins,” Mr Schwarten said.

“The RSPCA provides an invaluable service for the community every year by caring for thousands of neglected domestic and wild animals.

“This new five hectare site has existing infrastructure and is almost double the size of the RSPCA’s current headquarters at Fairfield.

“The existing buildings will be converted into the adoption centre and will be less intimidating and more people-friendly than the existing site.

“The extra land means that stables and a large, modern barnyard can be constructed allowing the RSPCA to better look after livestock as well as domestic pets like cats and dogs.”

Clearing the site is already underway with construction on the new works expected to begin in earnest in March 2009 and operations are expected to commence in the facility by Christmas.

The Department of Public Works is assisting the RSPCA to relocate to the Wacol site and is providing ongoing support in the delivery of this project.

RSPCA Queensland CEO Mark Townend said the campus was ideally located in a growth area in southeast Queensland.

“It is close to the railway station and the upgrades to the section of Ipswich Motorway should be complete by the time we open,” Mr Townend said.

“It will make it easy for families to come in and look for a new pet that is right for them in a pleasant and friendly environment that doesn’t feel like a pound.

“We are also very excited to have Bob Irwin onboard as a respected wildlife carer to establish a wildlife veterinary hospital on the campus.”

Mr Townend said education and training for both the industry and school groups would be key components of the new centre.

“The aim is to stop animals being treated cruelly in the first place by educating students and the general public about animal wellbeing,” Mr Townend said.

“We will create a fresh and positive piece of community infrastructure.”

The RSPCA cares for 40,000 animals across the state every year. The new campus at Wacol will care for between 15,000 and 20,000 animals each year.

Media contact: Minister’s Office 3237 1832 or 0437 831874