In Summary
- Council has adopted the Onsite Wastewater Management Plan 2025–2030, following extensive community consultation and sector engagement.
- The Plan outlines strategies to manage risks associated with onsite wastewater systems and support Council’s environmental and public health obligations.
- Community feedback has been incorporated into the final Plan, including improved environmental monitoring, clearer risk assessments and township-specific considerations.
- The Plan will guide inspections, public education and advocacy efforts to improve wastewater management and support sustainable growth across the municipality.
The OWMP outlines Council’s strategy for managing the risks associated with onsite wastewater systems (OWS), such as septic tanks, and supports Council’s obligations under the Environment Protection Act 2017 to protect human health and the environment.
The draft OWMP was released for public consultation between 26 February and 14 March 2025, with feedback received from 56 individuals and groups across the region. The consultation included an online survey, community meetings in Dookie and Toolamba, phone discussions with contractors, and written submissions. Respondents raised a range of challenges, including:
- Constraints on town growth due to outdated or inadequate OWS infrastructure
- Concerns over environmental impacts, particularly near waterways such as the Goulburn River
- The desire for access to reticulated sewerage in townships like Toolamba and Dookie
- Challenges around the cost of maintaining, upgrading, or connecting systems to sewer networks
- Requests to include additional areas such as Arcadia, Congupna, Katandra West, Kialla West and Undera as priority locations for future action.
In response, Council updated the final OWMP to reflect community input, including a summary fo the waste water profile for all localities, clarifying the risk assessment methodology, and committing to environmental monitoring and improved public reporting. Importantly, the Plan recognises the diverse needs of townships and provides a framework for better support, advocacy, and collaboration with relevant water authorities and the Environment Protection Authority.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the adoption of the Plan marks a significant step in improving wastewater management in both urban and rural areas across the municipality.
“The Onsite Wastewater Management Plan 2025–2030 helps ensure our communities continue to grow in a sustainable and safe way. This plan acknowledges the concerns raised by residents during consultation and outlines practical actions to support property owners, prioritise high-risk areas, and ultimately protect our waterways, land, and community wellbeing,” he said.
“Council thanks all community members who participated in the consultation process. Their insights have shaped this plan and will guide how we manage wastewater systems moving forward.”
Council will advocate for changes to system design standards in response to feedback from local contractors, ensuring long-term maintainability and compliance with environmental duties.
The OWMP supports Council’s broader strategic goals of environmental sustainability, healthy communities, and infrastructure resilience. It will guide inspection programs, public education efforts, and advocacy for investment in wastewater infrastructure across Greater Shepparton from now until 2030.
The Onsite Wastewater Management Plan 2025–2030 is available to view by tapping here.
For further information, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.
