Changes to the Environment Protection Act and other guidelines have prompted Corangamite Shire Council to prepare a new plan for safe wastewater management.
Manager Planning and Regulatory Services Andrew Nield said Council is seeking community input on the draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan.
"Council has a responsibility to minimise the impacts of wastewater on human health and the environment in areas that don't have a sewer system.
"Onsite wastewater systems are common in parts of Cobden, Timboon, Port Campbell, Simpson, Derrinallum, and Skipton on properties not connected to a sewerage system.
"Each town has unique conditions that need to be taken into account when planning installing and operating systems.
"These include population density, lot size, soil characteristics, flood risk, poor-draining soils, waterways, wetlands, and drinking water catchments.
"Many older subdivisions are smaller than the 4,000 m2 now considered to big enough for safe on-site management of wastewater.
"This new plan will inform decisions around resource allocation, land use planning, permit assessments, compliance, and community engagement about onsite wastewater management across the Shire.
"They are often needed for new developments in Low Density Residential, Township, Rural Living, and Rural Zones.
"They can be safe, cost-effective, and sustainable, but poorly functioning systems can negatively impact human health and the environment."
The changes have improved Council's ability to manage systems, including handling permit applications, overseeing their operation and maintenance, and enforcing necessary remedial work.
Owners now have greater responsibility for system operation, maintenance, record keeping and reporting.
The new plan will supersede Council's 2014 Domestic Wastewater Management Plan.
Council, landowner and water authority responsibilities are laid out by the Environment Protection Act, Victorian Planning and Environment Act, Public Health and Wellbeing Act, Building Act, Local Government Act and Water Act.
The plan can be found at corangamite.vic.gov.au/OWMP.
Submissions open on Monday 16 March and close on Monday 13 April.
