$15 Million Huntly Composting Facility Underway – Advancing Circular Economy in Central Victoria
Huntly, Victoria – 18 December 2025
Western Composting Technology Pty Ltd (WCT), a leading Victorian organics recycling specialist and sister company to Corio Waste Management Pty Ltd (CWM), has commenced civil works on its new $15million organics processing facility at Wallenjoe Road, Huntly. This investment ensures food and garden organics (FOGO) collected across the region will be processed locally, rather than long hauled to Stanhope, delivering significant environmental and economic benefits for Central Victoria.
The facility, strategically located adjacent to the Bendigo Livestock Exchange, spans 6.2 hectares and is designed to process up to 30,000 tonnes of organics annually. It will incorporate advanced in-vessel composting and climate-controlled pasteurisation technology, optimising airflow, temperature, and moisture for accelerated decomposition and pathogen control. This ensures consistent, high-quality compost production while meeting stringent environmental and biosecurity standards.
Civil works are being delivered by Castlemaine-based Slingo Earthmoving Pty Ltd ahead of the major build and fit-out phase. Following two years of detailed design and statutory approvals, construction marks a critical milestone in creating a regional solution that supports councils, businesses, and
communities.
Regional Impact
Local Processing: Eliminates long-haul transport to Stanhope, reducing emissions and costs.
Circular Economy Leadership: Keeps resources in the region, producing premium compost for agricultural and horticultural markets.
Environmental Gains: Significant greenhouse gas reduction through reduced transport and efficient composting.
Economic Impact: $15 million investment, local jobs during construction and ongoing operations.
Executive Commentary
Mat Dickens, Director & CEO of Corio Waste Management Pty Ltd (CWM)
“This facility is a game-changer for Central Victoria. By investing $15 million in Huntly, we’re ensuring organics are processed locally, reducing transport emissions and strengthening regional waste-to resource infrastructure. This is about delivering a long-term, sustainable solution that benefits
communities, agriculture, and the environment”.
Ken Dickens, Managing Director of Corio Waste Management and Western Composting Technology
“After two years of detailed design and statutory approvals, we’re proud to see construction underway. Our technology delivers superior environmental performance and a compost product customers can trust. This project reflects our vision for a cleaner, greener future and positions the region as a leader
in circular economy practices”.
About Western Composting Technology
Western Composting Technology is a Victorian-owned company specialising in organics recycling, offering end-to-end solutions from collection to composting and distribution. With a successful facility in Shepparton and now expanding to Huntly, WCT is driving innovation in sustainable resource recovery.
www.westerncompost.com.au