During September, the City of Ballarat invited feedback on the draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan 2025-2029. We heard from over 200 community members, most of whom currently own or live on a property with a septic (onsite wastewater) system.

Feedback was received from industry key stakeholders including Central Highlands Water, Catchment Management Authorities, plumbers and relevant City of Ballarat business units.

Input reflected a strong level of lived experience and practical knowledge about managing septic systems in Ballarat.

What we heard

Overall, community feedback indicated a level of support for the aim of the plan, with many residents emphasising the importance of practical education and resources to support property owners. Respondents did express concerns of being burdened with additional costs or regulatory requirements, preferring a focus on guidance and self-management over compliance-driven approaches.

Key themes included:

• Strong understanding of how septic systems work, but lower awareness of Council’s Onsite Wastewater Management Plan
• A preference for education, clear information and guidance to support owners to manage their systems, rather than increased regulation
• Concerns about additional costs or fees being imposed with a preference for affordable and accessible support
• Recognition that poorly maintained systems can cause impacts such as odour, waterway pollution and environmental harm

Stakeholders broadly supported the proposed risk-based framework, particularly targeting high-risk systems in special water supply catchments (swsc) and known historical clusters in the declared sewer district (dsd), alongside improved communication.

What’s next

Community feedback, along with stakeholder input, helped inform the final Onsite Wastewater Management Plan 2025 - 2029.

The Plan was adopted by Council at the November Council Meeting.

Implementation will focus on:

• A risk-based inspection and monitoring program in special water supply catchments and the historic clusters in the declared sewer district
• Improved education and access to information to help owners understand their responsibilities to reduce system failure
• Using existing resources to implement the plan, noting that no new levy or fee will be introduced to fund the Plan.

City of Ballarat thanks everyone who took the time to share their feedback and help shape a balanced, practical approach to managing onsite wastewater systems in Ballarat.

If you would like to read the full Community Engagement Summary Report, click here.