But Greater Shepparton City Council says it will allow six months of handover, when it transitions from using the Cosgrove 2 landfill to its successor.
City engineer Phil Hoare said the council was trying to provide a ‘‘six-month buffer’’.
‘‘Based on current trends, we have enough capacity (at Cosgrove 2) to get us through to just after Christmas.’’
He said the six-month buffer aimed to ensure there would be an orderly transfer from the current landfill to Cosgrove 3.
‘‘That’s probably how it will play out,’’ he said.
Mr Hoare said the council was aiming to complete works on Cosgrove 3 by the end of June.
It was now finalising a transition plan, he said.
‘‘It’s quite likely we’ll operate both sites for a short period to make sure there’s no hiccups.
‘‘Predominantly the works will be complete and the site operational by the end of the financial year.’’
Cosgrove 3, located about 20km to the east of Shepparton, has been under construction since early in 2017.
It is expected to serve the municipality as a regional and state hub through until 2064, according to a council project page.
About $31.5million has been allocated to Cosgrove 2 and Cosgrove 3 landfills in the past five council budgets.
This includes about $5.5million in the current financial year.
A council statement last week said construction on the leachate ponds at Cosgrove 3 was on track and continuing to plan.
‘‘The leachate ponds are designed as two separate ponds which will provide efficient leachate treatment while providing an adequate safety net for unforeseen storm events,’’ the statement said.
The leachate ponds are expected to service Cosgrove 3 for the whole of life providing efficient landfill waste disposal.
The site will include an access road, weigh bridge, site buildings, car parks, truck parking, a pre-sort area, wash bays, quarantine area and staff amenities, according to the project website.
