PARK YOUR PET AND FLY
New animal shelter, facility to feature long-stay at Wellcamp
TOOWOOMBA Wellcamp Airport passengers will be able to drop off their beloved pets at the upcoming RSPCA animal adoption centre before going on holiday.
Construction began on the $9.6 million facility next to the airport in Wellcamp yesterday, with animals to start moving in from November.
RSPCA Queensland CEO Mark Townend said the boarding kennels were part of a sustainable business model for a centre able to cater for more than 200 animals and 12 employees.
TOOWOOMBA’S upcoming $9.6 million RSPCA shelter will rehabilitate abused and injured animals, cater for native fauna and even offer boarding services for customers wanting to put their pets in long-stay.
Construction began yesterday on the new centre next to Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, with animals expected to start moving in from November.
RSPCA Queensland CEO Mark Townend said the startof-the-art facility was the first in the state to offer special care for animals involved in cruelty cases.
“This facility is really a first for Queensland because it’s actually got a long-term cruelty facility as well and you’ve seen some horrible cruelty cases as well,” he said.
“This will run programs for volunteers and programs for work-for-the-dole.
“We’re a people’s organisation as well as an animal’s organisation.”
One of the major aspects of the facility was the ability to board animals, the profits of which would supplement the cost of running the shelter.
“We’re going to provide boarding on-site here, which will help fund the day-to-day operations of the RSPCA,” he said.
“It will help cover about a $400,000-$500,000 deficit.”
Wagner Corporation director Neill Wagner said this would be helpful for people wanting to ensure their pets were cared for while on holiday.
“This will really complement the airport - people who are travelling can drop their pets at the RSPCA where they will be safe,” he said.
Mr Townend thanked the Federal Government for providing half the funding, before pointing out that the RSPCA still didn’t have all the money.
“This has only happened because of the Federal Government grant, which Mr McVeigh was good in helping us achieve,” he said.
“We still need about $2 million to make this happen, but this will happen.”
Dr McVeigh, who was the minister at the time of the RSPCA winning the funding last year, praised the organisation for its contributions to the Toowoomba region.