Hamilton Transfer Station Upgrades Enhance Waste Management

Published on 16 April 2025

Southern Grampians Shire Council is pleased to announce the completion of significant upgrades to the Hamilton Transfer Station, aimed at improving waste management and environmental protection for the community.

The project includes the construction of a new reinforced bunker with retaining walls, allowing for the efficient storage of waste and recyclables up to a height of three metres.

The walls are specifically engineered to withstand the forces exerted by front-end loaders, which will lead to considerable improvements to operational efficiency.

Additionally, four-metre-tall netting has been installed around the transfer station to catch flying debris during high winds, preventing litter from dispersing into the surrounding area and contributing to a cleaner environment.

A new 1,900kg grabber attachment was also custom built for the transfer station by local company Sturgeon Equipment. This grabber was designed in-house for a specific purpose and will go on the front of a large wheel loader. This will allow staff to move roughly 1.5 tonnes of waste or recyclables per grab, massively increasing efficiency at the transfer station. Sturgeon Equipment is a family owned and operated business creating specialist apparatus that’s sold nationwide.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Dennis Heslin said these changes have capacity to have a huge impact on the service.

“This is one of those Council projects that provides immediate advantages to community that might surprise you,” said Mayor Heslin.

“The addition of these bunkers, plus the new four-metre-tall netting around the transfer station will catch flying debris in high winds, ensuring there is a reduction of light and loose waste products being blown out of the Transfer Station and littering the surrounding areas.

“The steel reinforced bunkers are covered by a large roof to prevent damage from inclement weather and to protect the surrounding land.

“We can expect to see an improvement in the management of waste, efficiency at the transfer station, a reduction in disposal costs and a far better utilisation of the space. These waste separation bunkers will also allow us to send recyclables directly to Melbourne instead of sending them to intermediary facilities. This one change alone is expected to save Council around $120,000 per year,” Mayor Heslin concluded.

If you want to check out our ongoing projects around the Shire, check out our website. To stay informed of all things Council, consider subscribing to our monthly newsletter.