MidCoast Council has opened consultation on a revised framework that will reshape how on-site wastewater systems are regulated across the region.
The draft 2026–2031 On-site Wastewater Management Strategy proposes a structured, risk-based program to oversee approximately 13,000 registered septic systems. The aim is to strengthen public health safeguards, reduce environmental harm and create clearer links between regulatory effort and the fees paid by property owners.
- Want more information on what Inside Water is up to? Sign up for our weekly email, landing in inboxes with the latest news.
- Do you want the magazine delivered to your letterbox? Sign up here to subscribe.
Why is MidCoast Council updating its on-site wastewater management strategy?
On-site systems play a critical role in rural and peri-urban communities not connected to centralised sewer networks. Poorly maintained or failing systems can contaminate groundwater, creeks and estuaries, increasing nutrient loads and pathogen risks.
Under the draft strategy, Council will move to a region-wide inspection cycle covering all registered systems within five years. Systems assessed as high or very high risk will receive more frequent attention, with some subject to annual inspections.
Particular scrutiny will apply in environmentally sensitive locations, including oyster aquaculture areas where water quality is closely linked to public health and economic outcomes.
MidCoast Council Executive Manager Sustainable Development Rachel Pleasant said the revised framework is designed to deliver both environmental protection and fairness.
“This strategy is about moving to a more equitable and transparent regulatory approach of managing septic systems across the MidCoast,” Pleasant said. “Property owners will be able to clearly see what they are paying for, high-risk systems will receive the attention they need, and Council will be better equipped to protect our waterways and community health.”
How will the new septic inspection program work?
The proposed model introduces a clearer alignment between service delivery and cost recovery.
Very high-risk systems would attract an annual fee of $380, reflecting the need for yearly inspections and ongoing compliance management. All other system owners would pay $76 per year under the draft structure.
Council states that revenue raised through the revised fee schedule would support inspections, reporting, follow-up compliance work and education programs aimed at improving system maintenance. Fees may be adjusted over time if regulatory requirements or service costs change.
The shift to a proactive inspection program signals a move away from reactive enforcement. By identifying failures early and prioritising higher-risk sites, Council intends to reduce long-term impacts on waterways while providing greater certainty for property owners.
What happens next for the 2026–2031 strategy?
The draft strategy is on public exhibition until 12 March 2026. Community feedback will inform the final document before adoption.
For regional water managers and environmental health professionals, the strategy highlights the growing emphasis on risk-based regulation, targeted compliance and catchment protection in areas reliant on decentralised wastewater systems.