A new home for Canberra’s lost and surrendered pets and wildlife is a step closer, with the Territory identifying a preferred site in Pialligo for the RSPCA’s new purpose-built facility.
Announcing the agreement, Minister for City Services, Chris Steel said planning and design work for the new RSPCA ACT could now move forward.
“RSPCA ACT has been at its current facility in Weston since 1966, meaning infrastructure at the current facility is more than 50 years old,” Mr Steel said.
“The Government’s commitment for a new facility will mean animals at the RSPCA ACT enjoy better and larger facilities which are purpose-built for their care,” he said.
Mr Steel said the preferred site was located on the corner of Fairbairn Avenue and Addison Road in Pialligo and bounded by the Australian Defence Force Academy and Royal Military College Duntroon to the west, and Majura Parkway and Canberra Airport to the east.
He said significant due diligence had been undertaken on the site, including a range of preliminary heritage, environmental and planning studies, as well as discussions with nearby stakeholders about the site.
The Minister said the location was zoned as Broadacre which already allowed for animal care facilities, like the RSPCA ACT.
“The RSPCA’s new home will include enclosed dog kennels and cattery facilities, as well as better adoption facilities to increase opportunities for abandoned animals to find their forever home,” he said.
“It will also provide more spaces for volunteer and community involvement in animal welfare activities,” Mr Steel said.
