RSPCA works to start soon

Plans to begin digging at 1.4 hectare Wellcamp site in weeks

‘‘ WE PLAN TO BE ON SITE SOON RSPCA CEO MARK TOWNEND

THE RSPCA hit another speedbump on the road to developing a $9.6 million facility on Toowoomba’s outskirts last month, but it plans to be on site and digging within weeks.

According to a letter sent by a Toowoomba Regional Council engineer in February, the organisation needed to amend its application after paying a “nil” fee to council.

The figure was redacted and the email claimed it was unable to progress its Wellcamp development as the application was not “properly made”.

RSPCA CEO Mark Townend said the issue was resolved and planned to name the builder for the project soon.

“We plan to be on site soon,” he said.

The news comes weeks after the animal rescue group told council it would need to undertake $306,000 worth of stormwater works at the site near the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.

The RSPCA has been operating in the region for more than 50 years and is currently based on Vanity St, Rockville.

The need for a new home was prompted after the current site was deemed unsuitable for future use.

The new 1.4 hectare mega-facility has been subject to a number of delays due to financial issues since it was announced in 2017.

The new shelter will be able to handle 3000 animals a year when built.