Article: Three little pigs among 300 animals moving home with RSPCA

[QGT]

From the Couriermail.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rspca-and-friends-moving-house/story-e6freoof-1226214623409

Three little pigs among 300 animals moving home with RSPCA

IT'S time for the three little pigs to leave home. Franz, Prentice and Puggles are among more than 300 animals that will begin leaving the RSPCA's dilapidated Brisbane headquarters tomorrow as the doors close for the last time on Thursday.

Most animals will head to the new refuge at Wacol on Brisbane's southside.

It's the end of an era for the RSPCA and there are few Brisbane families who have not had something to do with the Fairfield shelter which has become a city landmark over the past 90 years.

It also will be an emotional time for staff who, despite over-crowding, shabby surrounds, and floods, are sad to leave the place that has played a pivotal role in treating thousands of animals.

Fairfield shelter manager Nanda Ten Grotenhuis said about 40 animals would be moved in a special train on Sunday, dubbed the Paws Express and drawn by a diesel locomotive aptly named the Blue Budgie from Fairfield Station to Wacol Station.

RSPCA chief executive Mark Townend said the train journey was symbolic of a new beginning.

Pigs Franz, Prentice and Puggles will today head to a shelter at Dakibin on Brisbane's northside.

[ozbob]

I was at WACOL rail today. It is great to see the new murals, and the animal life-likes. Well done all.

I have a dog, and have always respected animals.  Good stuff Queensland Rail and RSPCA.  In fact both our doggie woggies are from Fairfield.

[colinw]

I was at WACOL rail today. It is great to see the new murals, and the animal life-likes. Well done all.

I have a dog, and have always respected animals.  Good stuff Queensland Rail and RSPCA.  In fact both our doggie woggies are from Fairfield.

Good one.  I'm an animal person myself.  2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 chooks.  Our 2 cats were from the Animal Welfare League on the Gold Coast (which, laudably, is targetting a zero euthanasia rate and has already achieved it for dogs).

[ozbob]

In fact Col, I want to take 'Missy Moo' (my dog) on the train.  In Melbourne I can, here in this 'enlightened world class railway' I cannot!

I grew up with doggie woggies on trains, never an issue ...  must be the gauge or something ...

[Fares_Fair]

You could wear dark sunglasses and grab a cane and put a harness on the dog and you could ... (not serious here, would not recommend deceit)

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[ozbob]

Guide and assistance dogs are permitted of course.

But I understand your sentiment FF.  In Melbourne, the owner has responsibility for behaviour and cleanliness. You know what, in 50 years or so, I can only remember once when a doggie woggie made a blunder, but I can recall thousands of times that pax (humans) f%d up big time ...

I like dogs ...

[colinw]

In fact Col, I want to take 'Missy Moo' (my dog) on the train.  In Melbourne I can, here in this 'enlightened world class railway' I cannot!

I grew up with doggie woggies on trains, never an issue ...  must be the gauge or something ...

I was blown away the first time I saw dogs on trains (and in the pub) in England. How civilised.

That's funny, we sometimes call our female mini-Foxie "Missy Moo"!  Her actual name is Maisie.

I sometimes think dogs are the nicest people of all. Still miss my old "Hollie Dog" (Kelpie x Foxie), who passed away aged 14 and half last year.  Best dog I've ever owned and a great friend right to the very end.

[Otto]

I love my dogs... I would much rather spend my time with my pups than go out to dodgy places of entertainment !!!
Have my own website too... www.kirriku.com.au  You can see my dogs.. Wouldn't be without them..

[colinw]

Otto: nice! 

[mufreight]

In fact Col, I want to take 'Missy Moo' (my dog) on the train.  In Melbourne I can, here in this 'enlightened world class railway' I cannot!

I grew up with doggie woggies on trains, never an issue ...  must be the gauge or something ...

Narrow gauge - Narrow minds   

[ozbob]

I love my dogs... I would much rather spend my time with my pups than go out to dodgy places of entertainment !!!
Have my own website too... www.kirriku.com.au  You can see my dogs.. Wouldn't be without them..

Good on you Otto.

My doggie woggies are really good friends. They were left at the RSPCA but, that is not their fault.

I think we should start the campaign. Pets On Trains Now (POTN)   -- get it"

[ozbob]

In fact Col, I want to take 'Missy Moo' (my dog) on the train.  In Melbourne I can, here in this 'enlightened world class railway' I cannot!

I grew up with doggie woggies on trains, never an issue ...  must be the gauge or something ...

Narrow gauge - Narrow minds   

mu, narrow gauge can and will stand up well!   I have always been impressed by the apparent disproportant tonnage on the 2' sugar rail systems.
IN fact, more tonnage that some of the present 3' 6" lines, but alas, it is all too hard ..  some of the present 3'6" lines move more than standard gauge...  it is, a matter of committment ...
but the lines, around SEQ, are very light weight ..

[colinw]

For quite a while, the world record for heaviest train was held by a 3'6" South African train on the Sishen - Saldana line. It was 34,200 tonnes, 3.9km long, and hauled by 50KV AC electric locos.

That record was blown away by BHP in the Pilbara with a train grossing nearly 100,000 tonnes and 7.5km long.

Enjoy!

[HappyTrainGuy]

When ever someone mentions that video it reminds me of this  

He's still waiting at that bloody level crossing 

[Otto]

Enjoy!

That is an awsome sight to see !!!!
I guess the train is moving at approx 55kph given the length and the time to pass..

[mufreight]

When ever someone mentions that video it reminds me of this  

He's still waiting at that bloody level crossing 

Didn't think that VR had that many carriages and platforms long enough to accomodate them? 

[ozbob]

A local  newspaper report suggests the train will be steam hauled on Sunday,  lucky pax!!  

But to be honest not sure if this report is correct, as there are some steam hauled charters operating between Roma St and Mitchelton on Sunday (4 separate runs), and the timetable of those runs would make it around 3pm or so if that train was used.

[ozbob]

http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2011/12/08/3386211.htm?site=brisbane
612 ABC Brisbane

RSPCA migrates west

RSPCA migrates west
By Ursula Skjonnemand

A five-day operation is underway to move the RSPCA and all its animals from the worn out Fairfield facility to the new Animal Care Campus at Wacol.

On Sunday, it'll be a howling train ride for the dogs, which are being moved to their new kennels in a special rail service.

Cats will be travelling by animal ambulances, inspector's vehicles and any Council cars the RSPCA can muster.

About 300 people are involved in the move including Dr John Hanger, who will manage the special arrangements needed to relocate sick animals to the new wildlife hospital.

RSPCA chief executive, Mark Townend, says they've spent more than $20 million dollars refurbishing the former John Oxley Youth Detention Centre, which was gifted by the Queensland Government along with a $10 million capital grant.

The new facility has space for 500 animals, incorporates a cafe run by BoysTown and a museum showing some of the more interesting items collected during 90 years in the premises at Fairfield.

"We've got some ashes of people who've left money to the RSPCA over the years," says Mr Townend as an example.

RSPCA's new Animal Care Campus opens to the public on Tuesday, 13 December.

The old Fairfield site will go back into the hands of the State Government.

[ozbob]

Confirmed 1620 DEL will be the motive power.

ETA Wacol 10.15am, Sunday 11th December (tomorrow).  I intend to be there.

From the Queensland Times 10th December 2011 page 7

RSPCA pets board train for trip from old to new

[ozbob]

Wacol rail station, the new home for the RSPCA







































Photographs R Dow 10th December 2011

[ozbob]

Hey, I plan to catch the 8.27am down ex Goodna for this big day. Hope you can make it to Wacol.  I wouldn't miss this for quids.

There is a nice newsagent/shop near the station where one can buy milk and what ever (sausage rolls and pies .. )

[ozbob]

The animals arrive at Wacol ...

Photograph R Dow 11th December 2011

Heritage Diesel Electric Locomotive 1620 Queensland Rail delivers the RSPCA special train that was used to move animals from Fairfield to Wacol, their new home.

[ozbob]

Wacol

















The old line that used to go under Ipswich Highway to service the industrial estate





The new animal shelter























Photographs R Dow 11th December 2011

[ozbob]

Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for Reconstruction
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
11/12/2011

RSPCA and Queensland Rail host the 'Paws Express'

The RSPCA and Queensland Rail have made the journey from Fairfield to Wacol to symbolise the RSPCA's big move.

After nearly ninety years, RSPCA Qld's Fairfield Shelter is preparing to close its doors, and re-open at the state-of-the-art Animal Care Campus at Wacol.

To commemorate this event, many of the animals, who are still looking for homes for Christmas, have taken a ride on Queensland Rail's heritage train from Fairfield to Wacol.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk were at Fairfield station to assist with leading the animals onto the 'Paws Express', before journeying to Wacol with the animals and special guests.

The Queensland Rail charter consists of three stainless steel carriages and is hauled by a diesel locomotive. The train was built to a British design in Rocklea in 1966, and officially called the DEL 1620. It entered service on 4 January 1967.

The Premier said the 'Paws Express' was a fantastic idea.

"It's wonderful that Queensland Rail is able to support one of its top charity partners by putting on the 'Paws Express' and helping RSPCA move animals of all sizes to their new home," the Premier said.

"Seeing dogs, cats, mice, birds and even a goat line up to board a train is certainly not something you see everyday, but I'm proud we were able to transport the animals in a memorable way and help bring to light the fantastic work the RSPCA does.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland Rail was also working on a makeover for Wacol station.

"There are 10 RSPCA based murals and three colourful animal sculptures installed, and it's been great to see Queensland Rail collaborate with the RSPCA and the local community on this project," she said.

While it's the end of an era for RSPCA, the new facility will revolutionise animal welfare services in Queensland.

RSPCA spokesperson Michael Beatty said among the improvements will be a 70 per cent increase in capacity in the vet surgery.

"This gives us a significant increase in capability for the number of animals RSPCA can treat at any one time," Mr Beatty said.

"As this is such a massive step toward our future, we wanted to make it a special journey for our animals, and also those key supporters who have made the Animal Care Campus possible.

"I would like to thank Queensland Rail for providing such a memorable mode of transport for our animals, and also a great experience for guests," Mr Beatty said.

[ozbob]

The special RSPCA train, now empty, departs Wacol. Heritage locomotive 1620.

Photograph  R Dow 11th Dec 2011

[QGT]

My photos 





















Enjoy! 

Cheers,
QGT

[ozbob]

Thanks QGT, great photographs, the coalie was well timed too, thanks QRN ...

Nice to catch up with a number of RAIL BoT members at Wacol yesterday too .. 

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!


http://media.apnonline.com.au/64.3/img/media/images/2011/12/11/IQT_12-12-2011_NEWS_03_IPS111211RSPC12C_t325.jpg

RSPCA pets arrive at Wacol station on their way to the new Animal Care Campus on Sunday, after a trip from Fairfield on the Paws Express train.
Sarah Harvey

Paws Express signals new era

Paws Express signals new era

Kate Lemmon | 12th December 2011

ITS cargo was as precious as the journey it symbolised.

A diesel locomotive carrying about 40 animals from the RSPCA's Fairfield Shelter pulled into Wacol station yesterday morning as part of a historic move to the new Animal Care Campus headquarters.

The "Paws Express" was bursting not only with animals but excited and hard-working volunteers, dignitaries and media as it cruised into the station.

A media scrum and members of the public engulfed the stars of the moment, but the furry favourites were on their best behaviour.

Dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, guinea pigs, a duck, a goat and even a turtle will be among the first animals to occupy the $26 million shelter.

Their eagerness to see their new home was palpable as hundreds of feet padded the road with anticipation of what was in store.

RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said among the improvements would be a 70% increase in capacity in the vet surgery.

"This gives us a significant increase in capability for the number of animals we can treat at any one time," Mr Beatty said.

RSPCA veterinary surgeon of 14 years, Rosemary Miller, was on the platform as the train arrived.

She said having X-ray and laboratory services would be the best assets at the new shelter. It would also include a wildlife hospital, educational facilities and space for 700 animals.

"It's the IKEA for the dog world here," Dr Miller said.

RSPCA CEO Mark Townend said the rest of the animals would be moved today in preparation for the official opening tomorrow.

"Most of the animals will move on Monday but we thought a symbolic move by a heritage train would highlight the end of one era and the beginning of another," Mr Townend said, as the Fairfield shelter closed after 90 years.

"Queensland Rail also redecorated Wacol Station to illustrate the fact that it's now the new home of the RSPCA."

The decorations included 10 RSPCA-based murals and three colourful animal sculptures installed around the train station.

Some animals, such as horses and livestock, will be transferred at a later date.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk attended.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail 12th December 2011 page 14

Rolling stock on the animal express

[QRIG]

OzBob: I'm guessing that was you in the red t-shirt and cap? I would've stopped to chat, but I had a very hot baby girl to get out of the heat (that was me with the pink stroller hanging around on the Up end of Platform 1).

My results here ...

. Photos to come later.

[ozbob]

Nice movie!  Yes that was me!   

[barnesy]

good to see history still alive ! beautiful loco , Question the old branch into the industrial estate what was that used for noticesplits 2 ways after crossing the industrial av think it is

[ozbob]

good to see history still alive ! beautiful loco , Question the old branch into the industrial estate what was that used for noticesplits 2 ways after crossing the industrial av think it is

Grain and molasses I think.  Early days would have been a lot of general goods as well.

[Set in train]

good to see history still alive ! beautiful loco , Question the old branch into the industrial estate what was that used for noticesplits 2 ways after crossing the industrial av think it is

Grain and molasses I think.  Early days would have been a lot of general goods as well.

Will those days ever return? Goods on lines? More freight in Aust needs to be by rail & incentives are needed.

[ozbob]

Twitter

AnnastaciaMP AnnastaciaPalaszczuk
Pictures of the 'Paws Express' taking @RSPCAQld animals to their new Wacol home can be located here: http://t.co/vbwoazrs