In Summary
- Council has developed the draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan 2025-2030 (OWMP) to manage risks associated with onsite wastewater and septic systems in properties not connected to GV Water’s sewerage system.
- The OWMP outlines six strategic themes focusing on education, infrastructure development, environmental monitoring, policy management and regulatory compliance.
- Residents with onsite wastewater systems are encouraged to provide feedback on the plan, sharing their experiences and insights to help shape the final version.
- Community members can view the draft plan and submit feedback via the Shaping Greater Shepparton website before midnight on Friday 14 March 2025.
Many townships and rural farming properties within Greater Shepparton are not able to connect to GV Water’s sewerage system and have an onsite wastewater system or septic tank system to collect, treat and dispose of the wastewater from their home on their land. It is estimated that 7,000 properties within Greater Shepparton are connected to onsite wastewater systems.
The draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan (OWMP), which was released for public consultation at the February Council Meeting on Tuesday, is a strategic document that seeks to manage the risks to human health and the environment from onsite wastewater systems. It outlines Council’s commitment and actions to manage those risks in alignment with legislation, regulation and guidelines.
Council’s draft OWMP identifies six strategic themes and includes several actions for Council to undertake to achieve positive improvements in wastewater management for the environment and residents with onsite wastewater systems. These themes include information management; education; strategic planning, infrastructure development and stakeholder engagement; environmental monitoring program; policy and regulatory management; and reporting, audits and review.
In developing the draft OWMP, key internal Council staff were consulted alongside external water authorities Goulburn Murray Water and Goulburn Valley Water. The key points from these discussions were then incorporated into the strategies and actions of the draft plan.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said as part of the development of the OWMP, Council would now consult with the community to gather feedback and ensure they were informed.
“This process aims to inform the community about onsite wastewater systems, ensure they understand Council’s role in wastewater management, and gather feedback from the community on any gaps or further opportunities prior to finalising the plan for adoption by Council,” he said.
“We know there are around 7,000 properties within Greater Shepparton that are connected to an onsite wastewater system so we want to hear from these residents. They may hold some important learnings from using their system which can help inform the final plan.”
A survey is now available on Council’s Shaping Greater Shepp website for community members to find out more about the draft OWMP and provide their feedback. The survey closes at midnight on Friday 14 March 2025. Tap here to have your say.
For further information or to speak to someone about the draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan, contact Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
