The project will result in the closure of the St Arnaud Hard Hills landfill.

The state government has directed councils across Victoria to close unlicensed tip sites.

Cr Tony Driscoll said the main objective of the upgrade was to achieve best practice waste management.

“We’re rightly seeing a move away from unlicensed landfills with many unlicensed sites across the state being closed down over the coming years,” Cr Driscoll said.

“There has been a shift from the old days of throwing our rubbish into a hole in the ground. We all now need to be much more aware of the requirements around waste management in the interests of protecting the environment and our community.

“We need to really consider pollution mitigation through reduction, re­use and recycling of waste.

“By converting the site to a transfer station proper, we will reduce risk to the community and council through transportation of waste to a licensed landfill, as well as maximising resource recovery.”

Works at the site will include installation of skips, including a retaining wall, skip bays and safety rails.

A shed and shelter will be built to allow for the storage of materials out of the weather to meet best practice standards.

There will also be improvements to road access, parking, site drainage, signage and sealed surfaces.

The project is being funded by Sustainability Victoria and the Northern Grampians Shire Council and is expected to be completed by April 2017.