Council’s draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan is a risk management plan that outlines:

• the legislative framework for housing development that is not connected to sewer and General Environmental Duty;
• housing growth predictions and wastewater profile within Greater Shepparton municipality;
• why managing wastewater is important to protect public health and the environment;
• a risk assessment framework based on land characteristics, development density/land use and weather conditions;
• a number of localities identified as a priority;
• risks associated with old existing systems such as septic systems operating beyond its design life (30 years), off site grey water discharge, septic systems within declared sewer districts/sewer districts growing to areas with a number of properties connected to septic systems;
• an explanation of the permitting process for new systems and commonly installed types of septic systems;
• our approach to education, compliance and enforcement; and
• six management strategies, including goals and actions for Council to undertake to improve how it manages onsite wastewater systems.

The key themes for the Plan are;

• Information Management;
• Education;
• Strategic planning, infrastructure development and stakeholder engagement;
• Environmental monitoring program;
• Policy and regulatory management; and
• Reporting, audits and review.