UQ seeking new operator for Dayboro Vet Clinic

The University of Queensland is continuing to operate the Dayboro Veterinary Clinic during an expression of interest process to find a new operator after 35 years in the community.

The university announced in May that following extended consultation with staff and the community that it had decided to cease operation of UQ Vets Dayboro, with veterinary teaching to be consolidated at the Gatton campus.

“UQ made the difficult decision in May to seek a new operator for the Dayboro Veterinary Clinic site, to provide veterinary care and associated services to the community,” a UQ spokeswoman said.

“UQ will continue to operate the clinic during the open market expression of interest process to find a new operator.

“We will also work with clients and other veterinarians as required to support continuity of veterinary care while we transition to a new operator.”

The Dayboro community mounted a vigorous campaign to keep the clinic open when news broke last year, with resident Millie Yee launching an online petition that attracted more than 8000 signatures.

Still hopeful

Ms Yee says she’s disappointed by the university’s decision but hopeful the veterinary clinic will remain open under a new operator and continue to provide specialised services for large animals such as cattle.

“It will depend what UQ are looking for in the process,” she says.

“It’s (the decision) such a strange thing because one of the statements the university made at that meeting (a town hall meeting attended by more than 100 people in December) was that the cattle industry is no longer what it used to be, but if you drive up Mount Mee Rd every single property has cattle on it.”

Expressions of interest in buying or leasing the clinic close on July 29, with UQ expecting the contract process to be completed by the end of September and handover to take place in late October.

Brendale Commercial and Industrial principal Stan Topp has been appointed to lead the expression of interest process.

Working with community

The UQ spokeswoman said the university was not in a position to discuss submissions.

In a statement on its website, the university said the clinic would remain open until the expression of interest process was finalised at the end of October.

“We know that ongoing veterinary care is important to the Dayboro community,” the statement said.

“We are working with our staff and other veterinarians as required to support continuity of care while the EOI campaign is in progress.”