Onsite sewerage

Sewerage network

On a property that’s connected to the sewerage network, the wastewater is conveyed to a centralised treatment facility and it doesn't need to be managed on-site.

Enquiries about premises connected or to be connected to the reticulated water sewer systems can be made to Council's customer service team on 1300 176 077.

Onsite sewage

For a property that’s not connected to the sewerage network, the wastewater must be managed onsite using an onsite sewage management system (OSSM)

A properly designed, installed and maintained OSSM will safely and sustainably treat and dispose of wastewater.

If you own a property with an OSSM, it's your responsibility to ensure that it's working properly. 

A failing sewage management system is a health risk for your family, the community and it may cause harm to the environment. 

For further information, visit the Office of Local Government website.

System types

The type of system proposed for a particular site requires careful consideration by an experienced wastewater consultant and/or licensed plumber.

Its design should be specific to the attributes of the property, and the type and volume of wastewater generated.

Making changes to a system without approval can cause problems with how it functions and reduce its effective life.

OSSM application

Council approval is required to install, operate and alter an onsite sewage management system. To obtain approval, you must:

  1. visit the NSW Planning Portal and apply for an 'Approval under Sec. 68 of Local Government Act 1993'
  2. Pay the relevant application fees listed in Council's current Revenue Policy

Submitting your application with missing or incomplete information can delay the approval process or result in a refusal.

What happens next?

Your application will be assigned to an Environmental Health Officer for assessment and will either be approved or rejected. In some cases, further information may be requested before the decision can be made.

1. Approval to Install

Where approved, an Approval to Install is issued with conditions and an approved plan. You must provide this approval and its associated approved plans to your installer.

2. Approval to Operate 

Once the system is installed in accordance with the approval, the officer will conduct a final inspection and provide you with an Approval to Operate. The approval will set out your conditions of operations, including regular maintenance requirements. 

An Approval to Operate has a maximum 5-year validity - reapproval is required after this.

OSSM annual fees

Fees to operate or inspect OSSMs are calculated in accordance with Council’s fees and charges.

Your responsibilities

Property owners are responsible for system maintenance and operation, including repairs.

If you have an onsite system, you must:

  • ensure sure you have approval to use the system
  • know the type of system you have
  • understand its service and maintenance requirements
  • know the location of your wastewater treatment system and its layout (land application area)
  • monitor its performance and identify problems early. Leaks, soggy ground and bad odours indicate a problem.

Avoid costly repairs

Protect your system from damage by:

  • excluding vehicles and large animals from the area directly above your system. They can crush plumbing, compact the ground and cause a system failure
  • having your septic tank or treatment plant pumped out every three to five years. Sludge can cause blockages that lead to system failure
  • keeping mechanical systems serviced. Regular servicing ensures critical components and disinfection processes are maintained
  • checking household products for suitability for use in septic systems. Some cleaners can interfere with the bacterial breakdown in the tank.

Related Information

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