Wastewater Management Plan

The Shire has adopted its Wastewater Management Plan 2018-2023 to address the environmental and public health risks posed by residential and commercial wastewater on the peninsula.

Wastewater is the term used to describe liquid waste from toilets, kitchen sinks, showers and basins. Where there is no sewer available, households must install and maintain their own treatment systems.

Wastewater disposal is a significant environmental issue on the Mornington Peninsula as the Shire has the highest number of septic systems of any Victorian council, leaving over 22,000 properties across the Peninsula without reticulated sewerage. Many of these systems were approved decades ago and are discharging bacteria and other contaminants into groundwater and waterways.

Poorly maintained wastewater systems at commercial premises also contribute to contaminating local waterways. We look forward to putting this Plan into action and improving wastewater management on the Mornington Peninsula.

This Plan was developed with significant input from environment groups and the local wastewater industry. It aims to:

  • prevent individual and cumulative impacts the environment
  • protect public health
  • develop strategies for the management of wastewater
  • provide for coordinated wastewater planning and services by council and stakeholders
  • provide education and advice to septic system owners 
Back to top