Barry O'Farrell commits $7.5 million in funding to RSPCA NSW

In early March 2011, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell pledged a commitment of $7.5 million to help fund the long-overdue rebuild of RSPCA NSW’s Sydney Shelter in Yagoona.

This promise came after Mr O’Farrell toured the Sydney Shelter alongside RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman, Sydney Shelter staff and RSPCA NSW Ambassador Jodhi Meares. Mr O’Farrell witnessed the dilapidated state of the 40-year-old shelter firsthand – he saw the water-damaged ceilings, the tarp-covered roof and the crowded operating theatre. He recognised that without this monetary support, the Sydney Shelter might not be able to keep its doors open.

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals value the role of the RSPCA in providing care and protection for all creatures in NSW and we’re determined to see their Yagoona facility stay open,” said Mr O’Farrell.

RSPCA NSW receives less than 1.5% of its $35 million operating budget from the government, and relies heavily on community support and fundraising initiatives.

“We’ve been lobbying the government since 2008 for a one-off funding allocation to help fund the rebuild,” said Mr Coleman. “But we’ve been met with silence up until now.”

“This is the first time that any political party has committed funds of this magnitude to the RSPCA and we all have reason to celebrate today,” said Mr Coleman.

The $7.5 million commitment will help fund a state of the art veterinary clinic, education centre, community pet-friendly park, rehabilitation centre and holding facility for animals involved in Inspector cases.

“This funding will not only allow RSPCA NSW to continue to operate in the short term, but also to grow its services over time,” said Mr O’Farrell.

Now that Mr O'Farrell has been voted into office, the RSPCA NSW looks forward to hearing from Mr O'Farrell's office to discuss the promised $7.5 million in funding, so the organisation can immediately commence rebuilding.