OVERVIEW

The On-site Wastewater Management Strategy outlines how we manage the approximately 13,000 septic systems across the region, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas where failing or poorly operated systems could harm the environment, public health, local tourism and oyster farming businesses.

The strategy will help Council’s Environmental Health Officers identify systems that require immediate attention to prevent or substantially mitigate large-scale pollution and contamination of ecologically and economically significant waterways.

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Background

The draft Strategy will help us to apply a consistent and practical approach to wastewater management across the local government area.

The draft Strategy was developed over a 12-month period in harmony with legislative requirements and in consultation with key stakeholders, including landholders, community groups, businesses and government agencies. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback and input to develop the draft Strategy.

EXHIBITION PERIOD

CONSULTATION FEEDBACK

During the consultation phase, there was broad acknowledgment of the challenges associated with regulating a large number of systems and agreement that a risk-based approach makes the most sense in terms of managing resources to protect public health and the environment.

A total of eight submissions were received from the community. The changes resulting from these submissions include formatting changes, rewording for clarity of meaning and intent, and rewording for accuracy.