At its Ordinary Meeting on 29 April 2025, Hepburn Shire Council formally adopted the Onsite Wastewater Management Plan (OWMP) 2025–2029, replacing the decade-old Domestic Wastewater Management Plan from 2014 and retiring Local Law No. 3, which expires this month. The adoption marks a significant step in modernising the Council’s approach to wastewater regulation in line with updated state legislation and environmental protections.
The new OWMP reflects the evolving legislative landscape, particularly the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the introduction of the General Environmental Duty (GED), which places greater responsibility on all parties—including councils and residents—to proactively prevent environmental harm. With these changes, the need for a standalone local law has been removed, as the new framework emphasises risk prevention and compliance under state legislation.
The plan outlines Council’s responsibilities for regulating and assessing onsite wastewater management systems (OWMS) across the municipality. Hepburn Shire, notable for having its entire area within declared special water supply catchments, must maintain strict oversight of wastewater practices to protect both public health and environmental integrity. Under the new plan, Council takes a risk-based approach to managing OWMS, considering factors such as geographic risk, development pressures, and compliance needs.
Cr Pat Hockey moved the motion to adopt the plan, with an amendment from Cr Lesley Hewitt authorising the CEO to make administrative updates as required. The motion was carried, with support from all councillors except Cr Tim Drylie, who voted against.
The OWMP provides crucial guidance for Council officers when assessing planning permits and making decisions regarding the installation, maintenance, and compliance of OWMS. It also ensures that Council can meet obligations under the newly gazetted “Obligations for Managers of Land or Infrastructure” (OMLI), which require the identification and mitigation of risks to human and environmental health from wastewater.
Notably, the plan will support sustainable development in unsewered areas of the Shire. Without a Council-endorsed OWMP, water authorities would be unlikely to relax the restrictive 1:40 hectare dwelling density rule, effectively stifling growth. Adoption of the plan therefore opens opportunities for more flexible development while still ensuring environmental safeguards.
The OWMP was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Central Highlands Water, Goulburn Murray Water, Coliban Water, and relevant state departments. Although the plan is operational in nature and did not require public consultation, it was informed by feedback from these regulatory authorities.
Implementation of the OWMP will be undertaken by Council’s Environmental Health Officers and supported through existing resources. A $20,000 grant was secured to assist with its development.
In a municipality where every development decision has potential implications for drinking water catchments and mineral springs, the OWMP is a strategic tool ensuring Hepburn Shire remains compliant, sustainable, and future-focused. The plan will be reviewed in 2029 in line with its five-year cycle.
