Share your thoughts on why we need a Ballarat Regional Animal Facility

12 November 2021 10:43am

A tabby cat looks over a carer's shoulder at the Ballarat Animal Shelter

As the City of Ballarat continues to advocate for a new regional animal shelter, we want your input.

The Ballarat Animal Shelter provides care for more than 2,000 animals from Ballarat and neighbouring shires each year.

This critical service is run from a former abattoir building that is more than eight decades old.

City of Ballarat Mayor Daniel Moloney said the City of Ballarat is advocating to the Victorian Government for funding to deliver a new, purpose-built regional animal facility at a council owned site in Mitchell Park.

“We’re encouraging residents who value this vital service to show their support for a regional animal facility by taking a brief survey at the City of Ballarat’s mySay site,’ Mayor Moloney said. 

“A new facility will enhance the quality of life and standard of care delivered to the thousands of stray, lost, abandoned, or abused animals from around the region that pass through the City of Ballarat’s animal shelter each year.”

City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor Amy Johnson also encouraged residents to take part.

“By completing this survey, you can help us build the case to government that this project is urgently needed in our city and region,” Cr Johnson said.

City of Ballarat has committed $200,000 to progress plans for a new fully- compliant regional animal facility to shovel-ready stage. 

“Expressions of Interest have been called for architectural design services to develop staged plans for the new facility, with applications to close Friday 17 November,” Cr Johnson said.

A request for quote for a business case to support the investment in a regional animal shelter closed earlier this month.

The exceptional work of the Ballarat Animal Shelter staff and volunteers was recognised this week when the facility was named ‘Outstanding Council Animal Shelter 2021’ at the Pet Insurance Australia Companion Animal Rescue Awards.

The survey is available at the City of Ballarat’s mySay website until 6 December.