The Wingecarribee Shire Council Draft Operational Plan and Budget allocated $350,000 for planning in the 2021/22 budget, and $3,450,000 in their 2022/23 budget to construct the shelter.

Despite the success after years of lobbying to relocate their current shelter on Berrima Road in Moss Vale, they still need your help.

The public is invited to provide feedback on the funding allocation from now until June 11.

FOWAS urges Highland residents to give their feedback and support for the initiative, as well as the value the shelter has to the local community.

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A report from the council in 2020 acknowledged the shelter's less-than-ideal conditions including problems with vermin, green waste, dust and fire risks are ongoing for staff, visitors, volunteers and furry friends.

"The animal shelter does not adequately meet the minimum industry standards," said FOWAS president Deb Barnes.

"With a growing population in the area, our current shelter is not built to cater to an increase in companion animals."

"The issues have in part arisen due to its proximity to other industrial land uses such as the resource recovery centre operation, and the physical constraints are unable to be overcome through engineered design or capital maintenance upgrades," the report continued.

A site in Bowman Road is earmarked for the proposed new shelter.

FOWAS aims to contact the council to meet to discuss their contributions to fundraising and construction once the funds are finalised.

"We say to the Southern Highlands community that we have been given an opportunity to be heard, and we need to let the interim administrator know that the community and residents want this budgeted funding to be approved in full," she added.

Feedback for the budget allocation can be sent to mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au, and online submissions can be completed at www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au.

Members of the community can email fowas.org.au@gmail.com or call Debra on 0400 431 821 for more information.

Submissions need to be sent to Council by June 11 at 4pm.

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