Multi-million-dollar upgrade planned for Gympie’s Waste Facility
Published on 22 June 2026
A major upgrade to Gympie’s Waste Management Facility is set to deliver safer and more efficient waste and recycling services for the Gympie region.
The $7.91 million project, of which $3.46 million is funded through Round 1 of the Queensland Government’s Resource Recovery Boost Fund, will transform the Resource Recovery Centre at Bonnick Road into a modern waste transfer station. The upgrade will make it easier for residents to sort and recycle waste, improve safety and accessibility across the site, and help Council reduce the long-term costs of managing waste.
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said securing this funding from the State Government represented a significant saving for the community, allowing Council to deliver important infrastructure upgrades that may otherwise have needed to be funded through rates revenue.
“This $3.46m investment, alongside recent support through initiatives such as the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund, reflects the State Government’s ongoing commitment to the Gympie Region and confidence in Council’s strategic approach to planning for the future needs of our community,” Mayor Hartwig said.
“Council’s Waste Strategy 2025–2035 estimates the Bonnick Road Waste Management Facility will reach capacity in the coming years with funding allocated in the current Council budget supporting work to identify suitable locations for the region’s next waste facility.
“At the same time our 2026–27 Budget deliberations have identified the need to fund the acquisition of such land. This will then secure a future waste management facility and ensure the region has capacity to manage its own waste for at least the next 50 years.
“The State Government’s announcement of funding for the Bonnick Road Transfer Station project is a significant step forward in the strategy without relying on council funding to proceed. Once completed, it will enable the transfer station to remain as the main place for residents to drop off their waste, even after the region’s new waste management facility is constructed and the Bonnick Rd landfill closes.”
Mayor Hartwig said the upgraded transfer station will feature a fully sealed concrete surface, improved waste and recycling drop-off areas with easy-to-use sorting bins, and dedicated spaces to separate recyclable materials from general waste. It will also include improved drainage and leachate management infrastructure, helping protect the surrounding environment while reducing ongoing operational costs.
“When this project is complete, residents will have a completely different experience when they come to drop off their waste.
“Gone will be the days of driving or walking through mud or having dust blow in their face just to get rid of rubbish. The fully sealed surface and improved layout will mean residents can simply drive in, drop off their waste quickly and get on with their day.
“It will improve safety and make day-to-day operations more efficient for both residents and staff.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on its plan to reduce landfill and boost recycling.
“This is about getting waste out of the ground and backing practical solutions that turn it into value,” Minister Powell said.
“This investment means less going into landfill, more being reused and recycled, and real savings for local councils.
“We’re supporting councils with the infrastructure they need to manage waste smarter and keep their communities clean and sustainable.
Member for Gympie, Tony Perrett MP said the Crisafulli Government’s investment would deliver practical improvements for residents while supporting better waste outcomes.
“This funding is all about building smarter, more sustainable infrastructure that keeps pace with our rapidly growing region, Mr Perrett said.
“These upgrades will make a real difference on the ground - creating jobs, improving how materials are recovered, and ensuring our community has the facilities it needs both now and for future generations.
“By investing in modern infrastructure, we’re making it simpler for households to recycle, while helping drive down costs and strengthening long-term sustainability in the Gympie region.”
Construction on the Bonnick Road Waste Transfer Station upgrade is expected to commence in early 2027 and be completed by early 2028, weather permitting.
To find out more visit: www.gympie.qld.gov.au
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Image caption: Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig, Member for Gympie, Tony Perrett MP, Gympie Regional Council CEO Robert Jennings, and Council Staff at Bonnick Road Waste Management Facility - holding the draft plan for the new Waste Transfer Station.