Have your say on the way septic systems are managed

Published on 12 August 2019

Do you have a septic system at your place? Then you might like to check out our revised draft Domestic Wastewater Management Plan 2019, which covers how septic systems in the shire are managed.

Council is seeking feedback on the draft plan, which will go on public exhibition from 12 August.

The streamlined new plan has been prepared in accordance with state regulations which require councils to develop a plan every five years in consultation with water authorities and the community.

The current 2013 plan has been condensed and the changes proposed in the 2019 version include improved mapping. Council and Coliban Water will provide $20,000 each to implement a new program where septic systems close to waterways and in high density areas within water catchment areas will be inspected proactively to ensure they are in good working order.

Council’s Acting Manager Community Safety, Althea Jalbert welcomed feedback from the community on the plan.

“There’s around 8,000 septic systems within the shire and 4,500 of them are located in declared drinking water catchments,” Ms Jalbert said. “Managing and protecting our catchments is essential to maintaining high quality, safe drinking water for our community.

“The draft plan supports property owners to reduce the environmental and public health risks associated with septic systems in the shire.

“We encourage everyone to have a read of the draft plan and let us know if they have any further suggestions or feedback.”

The draft plan will be open for public comment until Sunday 13 October 2019. 

For more information, or to ask questions regarding septic systems, contact Michael Dyt in the Environmental Health unit on (03) 5422 0333.