“More viable” site emerges for new pound

A “more viable” site has been identified for development of a new animal pound, but Baw Baw Shire has not disclosed the location.

Community consultation identified a new option, separate to the three discussed during consultation.

Council has not revealed where the site is because it is “commercial in confidence.”

A report to Baw Baw Shire Council last week noted the Simpson North Rd site at Lardner as the preferred location for construction of a new animal pound.

But, officers reported an “alternative and more viable site” had been identified during the consultation process.

Council will now enter into negotiations with the property owner for the sale of this property.

Council has ruled out the new pound being constructed in Normanby St, Warragul.

Council received more than 90 responses during the consultation earlier this year, which included two street stall sessions in Warragul and Drouin.

During the consultation process an alternate site and more viable site was identified, the report said. Responses indicated: More than 85 per cent of respondents were supportive of constructing a new animal pound at a higher than budgeted cost; and,

75 per cent of respondents selected Lardner as the preferred location;

There were 56 responses received from residents living in close proximity to the Normanby Street site. Of those, only one person was supportive of this site, nine per cent were supportive of Galloway St and 87 per cent recommended Lardner as the preferred site.

The report said there were five responses received from residents living in close proximity to the proposed Lardner site, which also included a letter that was signed by numerous property owners.

All Lardner residents selected Galloway St as the preferred location.

There were 30 responses received from residents from across the shire. Of these, 16 per cent selected the depot as their preferred site based on cost, 17 per cent selected Galloway St with some stating that the existing facility should be upgraded or expanded (despite being unable to do so) and 67 per cent selected Lardner as the preferred site.

“While most respondents were supportive, almost none were supportive of a new animal pound being constructed close to them,” the report said.

Officers said the location of the animal pound was perceived to have a high impact on the amenity of nearby residents.

“There has been strong opposition to the proposed Normanby Street and Lardner sites.

“If a decision is made on the new location of the animal pound that is not supported by the directly impacted residents there is a potential for community and media backlash,” the report said.

Council has allocated $680,000 to the new pound in its 2015/16 budget.

Officers expect a total of $974,000 to be available in 2016/17 inclusive of an estimated carryover of $611,000 from 2015/16.

“This budget will be sufficient to build animal at the Lardner site,” the report said.