After 32 years of dedicated service to animals and the community, RSPCA
Queensland will relinquish its lease of the Noosa Council facility on 31 May 2025,
marking the end of an era for animal welfare on the Sunshine Coast.
Since its establishment in 1993, the Noosa RSPCA facility has transformed the lives
of more than 33,000 animals. These numbers, recorded from 2002 when digital
records began, reflect the impact of the RSPCA’s work through both the council’s
impound contract and broader statewide services. The centre has also been a
crucial support hub for RSPCA animals from across Queensland, contributing to
adoption, fostering, education, and inspectorate operations.
A significant factor in the closure is the dramatic drop in animal intakes, which has
made the continuation of services at the site unnecessary. Ten years ago, the centre
saw an average of 26 impounded animals per month. That number has since fallen
to just four, a reduction of 85 per cent.
RSPCA Queensland interim CEO Kylie Sprott said this change is a credit to the
region. “Having so few roaming animals in the region is a great reflection of the
animal welfare improvements that have been made with our council partnership
since 1993,” she said.
The organisation’s long-standing partnership with Noosa Council has also helped
create a community of more responsible pet owners. “Our joint education efforts with
council across the years have meant more animals are staying in their forever
homes and we have a region of more responsible pet owners. Which is something
Noosa residents can be proud of,” Kylie added.
Noosa Council is exploring alternative options for animal impoundment and will work
closely with RSPCA Queensland to ensure a smooth transition. “Council thanks
RSPCA Queensland for its enduring commitment to the Noosa community and we
are pleased to continue working together to keep promoting responsible pet
ownership,” said Richard MacGillivray, Noosa Council’s Director of Development and
Regulation. “Noosa Council looks forward to announcing new arrangements for the
management of lost and impounded animals in the very near future.”
In addition to caring for thousands of animals, the Noosa RSPCA team has been
instrumental in raising community awareness and funds. Since 2020, they have
raised more than $53,000 through shelter donations, fundraising activities, garage
sales, raffles and other community events. Local supporters of RSPCA Cupcake Day
and the Million Paws Walk contributed an additional $70,000 in donations, with the
Noosa shelter ranking in the top three Cupcake Day fundraisers nationally for five
consecutive years.
Despite the closure of the physical facility, RSPCA Queensland’s commitment to
protecting animals in the region remains strong. The RSPCA Inspectorate will
continue to investigate cruelty complaints, respond to at-risk animals and deliver
education and support in the Noosa area. “We congratulate the local community for
taking such good care of their pets and thank the numerous dedicated RSPCA
Queensland staff and volunteers who have run the local pound service over the past
three decades,” Kylie said. The community is encouraged to continue making a
lasting impact through donations and active support of the organisation’s broader
animal welfare initiatives.