Wastewater (septic) Tank Permits

A permit is required before commencing Alterations or Installation of any Onsite Wastewater Management Systems (OWMS), commonly referred to as Wastewater (septic) Systems.

Do I need a permit?

Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 the Mornington Peninsula Shire is responsible for assessing and approving A20 OWMS permit applications. A permit will be required to construct, Install or Alter an OWMS with a design or actual flow rate of sewage not exceeding 5000 L on any day within un-sewered areas of the Mornington Peninsula.

If the OWMS will treat more than 5,000 Litres per day, please contact the Environment Protection Authority. 

To find out if sewer is available to your property, please contact South East Water.

How to apply for a Permit

Please allow up to 42 working days for the processing of a permit application to Alter or Install a Wastewater (septic) Tank System.

The current fees for an application to Install or Alter a wastewater (septic) system are in the Shire's Environmental Health Fee Schedule Effective 1 July 2025(PDF, 134KB). 

These fees are statutory and set by the EPA - $798 for new installation and $608 for minor alterations. The base fee for a new application is 8.2 hours of officer time. A fee of $92 will apply for each additional hour of processing time after 8.2 hours.

Application to Install a Wastewater (septic) system

Apply online below to Install a new Wastewater System for a proposed development. 

Apply Online to Install

Application to Alter a Wastewater (septic) system

Apply online below to upgrade an existing Wastewater system or connect to an existing Wastewater system. Alterations can include addition of a macerator pump station, additional tanks or upgraded/extended disposal system.

Apply Online to Alter

Request a Final Inspection

The Permit to Install does not allow the Wastewater (Septic) Tank System to be used.  After the installation has been completed, a final inspection needs to be conducted by an Environmental Health Officer prior to issuing the Permit to Use. Once the Permit to Use has been issued, the Wastewater tank can be used. To organise a final inspection of a Wastewater Tank, complete the form below: 

Request a Final Inspection Online

Illegal use of a Wastewater Tank System (i.e. without a Council permit) may result in enforcement action. It is also a requirement that a Permit to Use a Wastewater Tank System must be issued prior to a Building Surveyor issuing a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Final Inspection, as governed by the Building Act, 1993. 

Design and Installation Guidelines

The installation or alteration of an Onsite Wastewater Management (Septic) System must comply with relevant legislation and guidance.

The Shires OWMS Design and Installation Guidelines and Wastewater Management Policy provide guidance on the Installation and management of an OWMS.

Download: OWMS Design and Installation Guidelines 2026(PDF, 8MB)

Wastewater Management Policy

Further information can be found on the Environment Protection Authority Victoria website:

• Onsite wastewater treatment systems with valid certificates (EPA Victoria)
• Guidelines for onsite wastewater management (EPA Victoria)
• Guidelines for effluent dispersal and recycling systems (EPA Victoria)
• Requirement for owners and occupiers with an OWMS (EPA Victoria)

Commercial Premises

If the wastewater system will discharge less than 5,000 Litres per day, please contact the Environmental Health Team on 5950 1373 or email wastewater@mornpen.vic.gov.au.

If the wastewater system will discharge more than 5,000 Litres per day, please contact the Environment Protection Authority.