Council developed a concept design for a proposed centrally located Regional Animal Care Facility at 253 Old Maitland Road, Mardi as the existing Erina and Charmhaven Animal Care Facilities are adequate but are aging.

The proposed site at 253 Old Maitland Road, Mardi has been identified as the preferred central location for a new Regional Animal Care Facility that will provide enough space for animal wellbeing, enrichment and exercise. The proposed facility will cater for the current animal holding requirements of the Charmhaven and Erina Animal Care Facilities, as well as considering the future needs of the entire Central Coast Local Government Area (LGA).

Council sought feedback on the concept design to ensure the final design reflects the needs and values of our community.

The proposed key features focus on increasing animal wellbeing and accessibility whilst incorporating an environmental focused and welcoming design:

• Multiple enrichment and exercise zones for the animals
• Kennels proposed to exceed standard Australian size requirements
• Welcoming administration building
• Modern cat enclosures, maximising natural light
• Meet and greet areas for prospective adopters
• Walking path for exercise and one on one trial walks
• Public car park with disabled car space included in scope
• Connected by accessible concrete pathways
• Quick access to the M1
• Water tanks to utilise rainwater
• Solar power for sustainability
• Double kennels for bonded pairs and Mums and pups to be together
• Separate entrance for seized or behavioural dogs for ease of transfer
• Specialised ‘dog washroom’ to be used for dog washing and grooming
• Microchipping rooms
• Cat isolation enclosure (when quarantining for cat flu)  

Council invited the community to share their thoughts, ideas and feedback on the proposed site and the concept design, which will inform future decision-making for the project. You can participate in the community consultation between 1 February and 13 March 2023 by:

• Viewing the concept design document
• Adding your comments to the interactive concept designs (closed for comment)
• Providing your thoughts via the feedback form (now closed)
• By attending a community drop in session at Tuggerah Library:
  • 9:30am - 10:30am Tuesday 7 March
  • 3:30pm - 4:30pm Wednesday 8 March

Consultation is now closed.

Feedback received indicates overall support for the project with 55% of participants actively advocating for the project and an additional 40% of participants providing positive improvement ideas. Only 5% of participants said they were not supportive. Community feedback also indicated 87% support for the proposed key features.

Feedback across the consultation activity revealed the following:

• There was overwhelming support for the facility and its value to the region.
• The community were most interested in animal wellbeing and environment.
• Community commentary commended the animal focused concept design.
• The community also offered constructive feedback on how to improve designs.
• Concerns that a centralised location could increase travel times for residents.
• Concerns around funding and ability to build quick enough to meet demands.