Work has begun on a $4.6 million transformation of the RSPCA NSW Sydney Veterinary Hospital in Yagoona thanks to funding from the NSW Government.
Turning the first sod on the new Rescue Centre site today, Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the site’s upgrade was just one part of the $10.5 million provided by the NSW Government for upgrades and capital works at RSPCA sites across the state.
“The RSPCA does an amazing job of caring for animals across NSW so I am excited and proud to see this funding already making a significant difference to bolster their efforts,” Mrs Hancock said.
“The $10.5 million in NSW Government funding builds on the previous contribution of $19.5 million we made to rebuild and refurbish facilities at RSPCA NSW’s Sydney Shelter in Yagoona.”
Touring the site with Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons and RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman, Mrs Hancock was shown to some of the improvements already at work including a new $111,000 Philip Ultrasound Machine with the potential to save hundreds of animals every year.
RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said the addition of the new machine this year has been a great diagnostic tool for the veterinary team.
“The image quality is superior compared to the previous machine and, with the additional probes, we are now able to scan large dogs without difficulty,” Mr Coleman said.
“Images are saved onto a cloud data base, which allows us to send them off for a specialist interpretation if needed.”
Mr Coleman said the ultrasound machine is used to scan between seven and 10 animals per week.
“Ultrasound is a non-invasive way of confirming and providing additional information to our working diagnosis,” Mr Coleman said.
The new machine is just the start of a long list of improvements set to transform the Yagoona site, with a $4.655 million transformation due to begin.
The works, due to be completed by March 2022, will include demolition of existing kennels built in 1971, site remediation and construction of a purpose-built rescue centre to help with bushfire rescue efforts.
When complete, the site will serve as the key hub for state-wide bushfire response, along with providing a base for the coordination of all mobile response units and housing for emergency response rescue vehicles & equipment, featuring three dog yards, a refurbished cattery, a dog walking/education track, and a COVID-safe outdoor waiting area.
Other RSPCA NSW sites set for upgrades include the Hunter, Broken Hill, the Illawarra, Coffs Harbour, Tweed Heads, Blue Mountains, Lithgow, the Central Coast and Orange.
Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said RSPCA NSW facilities do more than just provide shelter and vet treatment for animals.
“They also help us advocate responsible pet ownership and animal welfare education in communities across NSW,” she said.