Swan Hill Rural City Council has officially opened the Ultima Compost Facility – a milestone project that represents a major step forward in the municipality’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and regional leadership.
Mayor, Stuart King said the facility was more than just new infrastructure, it was a practical step towards a cleaner, greener future for the region and beyond.
“This facility reflects our shared commitment to repurposing organic waste. While we are starting small, this site is full of potential,” Mayor King said.
“We will engage industry experts to assist us in getting the process right.”
The facility will initially process up to 1,200 tonnes of garden organics each year, however it has been purposefully designed with future expansion in mind, the Mayor said.
“As Council prepares to roll out a universal FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) service as mandated by the State Government from 2027 and engage commercial and industrial sectors, the site’s capacity and environmental impact are set to grow,” he said.
“The new composting system incorporates modern, environmentally responsible technology – including a rigorous green waste inspection and decontamination process, and an aerated pile system that precisely regulates temperature and moisture to optimise composting efficiency and safety.”
The compost produced at the facility will stay within the region and be utilised by Council’s Parks & Gardens team and made available to local growers, supporting a circular economy model that keeps resources and value in the community, the Mayor said.
Sustainability Victoria’s Markets Acceleration Manager, Shannon Smyth said it was fantastic to see the Swan Hill Organics Recovery Facility completed.
“I applaud council’s commitment to establishing a local circular economy,” said Mr Smyth.
“The facilities will not only play an important role in supporting council with the roll out of its universal FOGO service, but act as a regional hub to support and inspire neighbouring councils to pursue their own circular economy aspirations.”
The Ultima Organics Recycling Facility project is supported by the Circular Economy Organics Sector Transformation Fund delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government and the Australian Government’s Food Waste for Healthy Soils Fund.
