MidCoast Council has adopted a revised On-site Wastewater Management Strategy, providing a stronger and more transparent framework for managing approximately 13,000 septic systems across the region.
The Healthy Land, Healthy Water: MidCoast Council's On-site Wastewater Management Strategy 2026-2031 outlines how Council will manage on-site wastewater systems, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas where poorly performing systems can impact public health, waterways, tourism, and oyster farming industries.
The revised strategy builds on progress made since the 2023 strategy, including increased inspection coverage, improved record keeping, and more refined compliance practices.
"This strategy gives us a clear and consistent framework to better manage wastewater systems across the MidCoast," said Rachel Pleasant, MidCoast Council Executive Manager of Sustainable Development.
"It takes into consideration the feedback from our community and ensures we can identify higher-risk systems earlier, respond effectively, and continue protecting our waterways, environment, and community."
The strategy will support Council's Environmental Health Officers to prioritise inspections and target systems that require immediate attention, helping to prevent or significantly reduce pollution in ecologically and economically important areas.
The revised strategy was placed on public exhibition from Monday 9 February to 12 March 2026, with Council receiving 186 submissions from the community. Feedback primarily focused on the proposed funding model, the risk framework, and perceived duplication with existing servicing arrangements.
Following consideration of community input, Council made changes to the draft strategy, including retaining the current flat service fee per system rather than introducing a risk-based fee model that would have varied fees per property based on location. This approach maintains consistency for property owners while ensuring sufficient resources to deliver the program.
The strategy was formally adopted at Council's Ordinary Meeting on 29 April 2026 and will guide the next phase of Council's on-site wastewater management program.
MidCoast residents are encouraged to play their part by ensuring their on-site wastewater systems are properly maintained to help protect the local environment and waterways.
