Central Highlands Regional Council’s Emerald Animal Management Centre is set to receive a transformation thanks to a $385,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s 2024-27 Works for Queensland Program.
The project, which is currently in the design finalisation stage, showcases a modernised design that reimagines the centre’s front and rear yards.
The revamped layout includes an increase in internal pens from eight to 15, and external exercise areas will be expanded from three to 10 pens. New facilities will also include a dedicated storage area, and a suite of amenities such as a toilet, shower, veterinary room and office.
Specialised areas are being introduced to enhance the centre’s capability to manage animals effectively and safely. These additions include an animal quarantine area, two designated pens for dangerous dogs, and two overnight holding pens for rescue animals. The new layout also prioritises safe and efficient operations with designated vehicle loading and unloading areas.
“This upgrade will transform our facility to create better functionality and a safer environment for our team despite the modest budget and limited space. It enables us to retrofit an existing site without the costly expense of constructing a purpose-built facility from scratch,” said Council General Manager Communities, Adrian Burns.
“The design has incorporated inspiration from numerous councils across Australia and the upgraded centre will look nothing like the one we have today,” he said.
