Inform our updated planning for onsite wastewater management
Last updated on 15 May 2025
Safely managing septic tanks and onsite wastewater is the focus of a multi-year Council plan, now due for review and refresh via community feedback.
Under the Environment Protection Act 2017, Council is responsible for regulating onsite wastewater systems in unsewered areas, including assessing permits and ensuring systems are well-maintained.
An Onsite Wastewater Management Plan (OWMP) aims to address public and environmental health risks from septic system wastewater, and outline risk management strategies. Proper installation, maintenance, and management of systems is essential to protect human health and the environment.
Director Planning and Environment Rebecca Stockfeld reiterated that if you own or rent a property with an onsite wastewater system, you are legally responsible for ensuring it is operated and maintained to prevent risks to human health and the environment.
“Much of our housing around our major towns – particularly newly built housing – is able to be connected to mains sewerage, however we have about 8,500 properties across our shire registered as having their own onsite wastewater systems,” she said.
“Wastewater issues have been known to lead to issues such as contaminated drinking water, foul smells, and animal or human illness, so it is important that we support the proper management of these systems.
“Whether you're a resident with a septic tank, a plumber, landholder, or simply interested in protecting water quality, your feedback is valuable in informing the actions we’ll commit to in supporting those relevant properties and the broader environment.”
This initial consultation is the first of a two-stage external consultation process, with feedback obtained in this initial stage set to inform the development of the draft Plan, which will then be exhibited for another round of consultation.
Council’s new OWMP will propose a range of initiatives to support landowners and the broader community. These include developing educational materials for new property owners with septic systems to improve system performance, providing guidance and support to plumbers, and digitising historical wastewater records.
Feedback is invited from now to Sunday 1 June 2025. Visit yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/OWMP to find out more and have your say online, with hard copies of surveys also available on request from Council’s customer service centres, or via post by calling (03) 5422 0333.