On-site wastewater strategy on public exhibition

AN updated MidCoast Council strategy guiding how on-site wastewater systems are managed across the region is now on public exhibition.

The draft 2026–2031 On-site Wastewater Management Strategy is on public exhibition until Thursday 12 March, setting out a proactive, risk-based approach to regulating around 13,000 septic systems across the MidCoast.

Under the strategy, Council will roll out a revised region-wide program to inspect all registered septic systems over the next five years.

High-risk systems will be prioritised and inspected annually, particularly in environmentally sensitive oyster aquaculture areas.

The strategy also restructures compliance and service fees, replacing the current model with one that links costs to services delivered.

Owners of very high-risk systems are proposed to be charged $380 annually.

This reflects the need for annual inspection and ongoing compliance management.

All other system owners would contribute $76 per year.

The fees may be reviewed in future years to reflect changes in service delivery costs and regulatory requirements once the strategy is adopted.

Fees are collected to support proactive inspections, reports, follow-up compliance support, replacement of and education to help owners better maintain their systems.

MidCoast Council’s Executive Manager Sustainable Development, Rachel Pleasant, said the strategy strikes an important balance between environmental protection, public health and equity for property owners.

“This strategy is about moving to a more equitable and transparent regulatory approach of managing septic systems across the MidCoast,” Ms Pleasant said.

“Property owners will be able to clearly see what they are paying for, high-risk systems will receive the attention they need, and Council will be better equipped to protect our waterways and community health.”