Animal welfare and environmental sustainability are at the forefront of the design for Singleton's new state-of-the-art animal management facility, with construction well underway on the $1.415 million project.
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Excavation works have begun on the site on Dyrring Road, Fern Gully after Singleton Council awarded the tender to Lahey Constructions at its May ordinary meeting and after the need for the new facility was identified in 2016.
In July 2017 a petition started by advocacy group Boarding Kennel and Cattery Reform Australia called on Singleton Council to build a new animal shelter - and improve the state of the existing pound in the meantime - attracted 4536 signatures.
Some animal advocates at the time said the current facility left dogs exposed to the elements and needs to be upgraded.
Mark Ihlein, Council's Director Planning and Infrastructure Services said the design was state-of-the-art to exceed animal management practices, incorporate sustainable elements and allow room for future expansion.
He said it was fantastic to see construction underway.
"The new Animal Management Facility will include 16 dog pens and a separate isolated large quarantine pen. There is also a large cat room, toilet, shower, laundry, reception and office area, allowing our Rangers to operate out of the facility and the potential for additional staff and animals from other areas," he said.
"Care was taken in the design phase to ensure the new facility would exceed the latest animal welfare code of practice with consideration and implementation of animal handlers' requirements, as well as environmental considerations including building position and design to encourage air flow, disease and contamination requirements, and the combination of high thermal mass materials and insulation to provide natural heating and cooling.
"The building also uses solar power, rainwater and wastewater reuse. Other design elements include acoustic design measures as required by the development approval to minimise impact on neighbouring residents in the locality, and enhanced footings and slab in consideration of the highly reactive clay soils on the site."
Mr Ihein said the upgraded facility would better serve the needs of Council's rangers to respond to animal management issues now, and into the future.
"The new Animal Management Facility has been an important project for our community, and we are confident this design will meet the needs of animal management now and in the years to come, as well as hold up to sustainable design principles," he said.
"Construction is programmed for completion in mid-November 2020."
