Fresh hope for Yule Point animal shelter

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PAWS AND CLAWS

Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

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Last updated: 26/07/2017, 16:00:00 (AEST)

Environment Minister Steven Miles has agreed to review the decision to reject the proposed Paws and Claws site. IMAGE: Supplied.

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IN the wake of mounting support from most sides of politics for an animal shelter in the Douglas Shire, the State Government today said they clearly understand the needs for a shelter in region.

In a statement to Newsport, Environment Minister Steven Miles said he had met with Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu on Thursday and provided a report from the Herbarium in relation to the proposed Paws and Claws site at Yule Point.

It comes less than a fortnight after his Government rejected a bid for a new animal refuge to be built at the block, located on the outskirts of Port Douglas, citing environmental concerns.

“I undertook to ask some further questions of the Herbarium, and council undertook to explore some other options. I expect to talk again with the mayor this week,” the Minister said.

“The state government understands very clearly the needs of Douglas for an animal shelter."

Miles said he also provided additional information from the Department of Transport and Main Roads to Mayor Leu.

The block at Yule Point is currently on state government land. They say environmental issues make it unsuitable for an animal shelter. IMAGE: Supplied.

Councillor Michael Kerr, meanwhile, said he had received support from the opposition Liberal National Party and One Nation.

“While I do see some light at the end of the tunnel, it is important for us to continue applying pressure.

“And I’m heartened from the support I’ve received from the opposition parties. This is something we must fight for as I believe Labor is doing the wrong thing for the environment by not agreeing to this location for an animal shelter,” said Kerr, who oversees Paws and Claws.

Leu said Council has previously explored other avenues for potential suitable sites in the Douglas Shire, however, the State has provided a list of suggested sites that officers will investigate, bearing in mind neighbouring amenity and critical operational needs.

“The decision to review the information that caused the Department of Natural Resources and Mines to reject our application to purchase land for an animal shelter at Yule Point was received positively.

“I expect to talk again with Minister Miles this week and we acknowledge the state government understands very clearly the needs of Douglas for an animal shelter,” she said.