Septic Systems

In the Golden Plains Shire Municipality only 3 areas are serviced by reticulated sewerage, Bannockburn (south of the railway line), Smythesdale and Enfield. For properties outside of these areas, all wastewater will be serviced by an on-site wastewater management system (OWMS).

Obtaining an On-Site Wastewater Management System (OWMS) Permit

Under the Environment Protection Act 2017, a permit is required from Council prior to the construction, installation or alteration of an on-site wastewater management system. Legal penalties apply for any works carried out without a permit.
This process consists of two stages:

Stage 1) A ‘Permit to Install / Alter’ an on-site wastewater management system.  This permit is required before a Building Permit can be issued.

Stage 2) A ‘Certificate to Use’ an on-site wastewater management system.  This certificate is required before a Building Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.

Please note Council can only issue permits for systems that hold a current 'Certificate of Conformance' under the relevant Australian Standard. For a list of these systems refer to the EPA website. Council is unable to recommend a particular brand or model.

For general information on septic tank systems and the permit application process please refer to Council's OWMS Permit Application Guide.

To apply for a permit please complete and return the OWMS Permit Application Form

Amending an OWMS Permit

To amend an existing OWMS Permit, please complete the Application to Renew/Amend an OWMS Permit and return to Council with the applicable fee prior to the permit expiring. 

An amendment is required if any of the proposed system or plumber details change prior to installation / alteration.

Renewing (extending) an OWMS Permit

To extend an existing OWMS Permit to Install / Alter, please complete the Application to Renew/Amend an OWMS Permit and return to Council with the applicable fee at least twenty (20) business days prior to the Permit expiring.

Should an extension of time be granted, this extension will be valid for twelve (12) months. No additional extensions can be granted. If the system has not been installed and approved within this extended period of time, you will need to apply for a new permit to Install/Alter an OWMS.

Request for Existing Septic Tank System Information or Assessment

Council may be able to recover archived information relating to your existing Septic Tank System. Should you wish to apply for such information, please complete the Request for Septic Tank System Information Form and return to Council with the applicable fee.

When extending an existing dwelling or conducting other building works, a determination need to be made about whether the existing on-site wastewater management system is still suitable or whether it requires alteration or replacement. If you require an assessment to be undertaken by Council, please complete the Request for an OWMS Assessment Form and return to Council with the applicable fee.

Council's Domestic Wastewater Management Plan

In March 2023, Council adopted a Domestic Wastewater Management Plan developed in conjunction with RMCG Consultants, the local water authorities and other stakeholders. This plan details how Council manages domestic wastewater within the municipality. This plan includes:

  • Broadscale land capability data and mapping;
  • Land Capability Assessment requirements;
  • Audit program for existing septic tank systems; and
  • Council's action plan for domestic wastewater management.

The Domestic Wastewater Management Plan is in two volumes. The first volume being the plan itself, whilst the second volume (available on request) contains data spatial mapping and discussions which support the plan.

Golden Plains Shire Council - Domestic Wastewater Management Plan

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