It was a victory for people power, again.
Last month's announcement by RSPCA NSW that it will keep its Katoomba animal shelter open was followed by confirmation last week the facility will also continue to operate as the local pound - a role that was still at risk.
More than 50 supporters of the Save Our Shelter and Keep Our Pound Local action groups met outside council chambers in a show of solidarity prior to the September 16 meeting. Councillors were considering a late request by the RSPCA to reverse plans to terminate its impounding services contract with council from November 21.
Councillors unanimously supported continuing the existing $170,000 per annum contract until it expires in mid-2016 - an arrangement that is within council's allocated budget but could be terminated again by the RSPCA should it provide six months' notice.
Lawson resident and Save Our Shelter campaigner Tony Nikolich thanked council for its decision and the public for coming out in force a second time, describing the outcome as "heartening" and another "small victory."
"It's important because it gives some stability and at least a little bit of certainty."
He told councillors "there was not one person I spoke to who wasn't interested . . . who wasn't committed to keeping a pound in the Blue Mountains".
"I believe a situation that was looking quite bleak a few months ago is looking considerably brighter today.
"It puts your faith back in humanity."
Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill joined councillors Chris Van der Kley, Romola Hollywood and Don McGregor in paying tribute to the campaigners, noting "they came from a broad cross-section of the community".
"We did our bit, but your activism is really what did this," Clr Greenhill said.
Clr McGregor said "it's somewhat humbling to realise and look back and see that the RSPCA wouldn't bend their knees to the mighty cows on council but after a very lively meeting at the Carrington Hotel attended by people in their hundreds they buckled pretty quickly".
In a written statement, RSPCA NSW president Peter Wright confirmed operations including impounding services would be maintained at its Katoomba facility as there are "no plans to close, lease or sell it".
Thanking Blue Mountains residents for their passion for the shelter, Mr Wright stressed "although RSPCA NSW has made a commitment to the people of the Blue Mountains, we still need your help".
Council will investigate value for money options for impounding services beyond mid-2016, noting Hawkesbury City Council offered pound services based at Mulgrave supplemented by Blue Mountains vets, kennels and other short-term animal holding services for only $140,000 per annum.
Council will also work with the RSPCA and a Blue Mountains branch working group to investigate potential partnerships between the RSPCA and local service providers to lower costs.
