Macedon Ranges council is inviting the public to provide feedback on its draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan.
At the August 27 council meeting, councillors endorsed the draft plan, which seeks to address public and environmental health risks from septic system wastewater and outline risk management strategies.
The new draft plan has been informed by internal reviews, stakeholder feedback and community consultation, and comprises the draft technical document and the draft operational document.
Feedback is now invited on all elements of the draft plan, from the general public and from the over 8500 properties across the Macedon Ranges that are registered as having their own onsite wastewater systems.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said the plan identifies several risks associated with poorly performing wastewater systems, and addresses how it aims to fix this.
“These risks may be particularly significant in environmentally sensitive areas such as special water supply catchments and flood prone zones as well,” he said.
“To address these risks, this plan proposes a risk-based inspection and monitoring program, prioritised system upgrades, improved community education and alignment with broader environmental and flood management strategies.”
Cr Jennifer Anderson said property owners who do have their own wastewater management system should take a look at the draft plan and provide feedback.
“We have such a beautiful place here where we live and it’s really important that we protect our waterways by ensuring that our wastewater is contained,” she said.
Feedback is open now until September 28, with the final plan adopted at the December meeting.
Survey: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/OWMP
