Overview

Council endorsed the public exhibition of the draft Onsite Wastewater Management Strategy 2025-2029 which has been revised to meet the NSW Office of Local Government Guidelines and includes a new Risk Management framework.

The Wagga Wagga Local Government Area (LGA) has more than 2100 active onsite wastewater management systems.

Council is responsible for ensuring onsite wastewater management systems operate effectively, which includes approval of installations, maintaining a register of systems and monitoring the effectiveness of onsite wastewater management systems within the LGA.

This program is implemented through the Onsite Wastewater Management Strategy (OWMS) and in accordance with legislative requirements under section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021.

How can I have my say?

The draft Onsite Wastewater Management Strategy (OWMS), including a Risk Management Framework, is currently on Public Exhibition for 35 days, commencing Monday 28 July and concluding Sunday 31 August 2025.

You can provide feedback on the document via the submission form below, via email to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au or by contacting our Regulatory City Compliance Team on 1300 292 442.

What happens next?

After the public exhibition period concludes, a further report will be provided to Council to outline the reach and response in the community engagement process and propose adoption of the revised Onsite Wastewater Management Strategy and Risk Management Framework.

Once the strategy has been adopted, the next steps would be the commencement inspections as part of Council’s updated risk-based inspection program, with priority given to properties located near sensitive environments i.e., rivers and creeks or with a history of system issues or systems at their end of useful life (High Risk).

Property owners will receive written notification 30 days in advance of an inspection date.

* It should be noted that the proposed changes are legislative in nature

Purpose

Generally, onsite wastewater management systems have an effective operational life of between 15-25 years after which time they may require significant maintenance or replacement to meet the basic performance standards.

This draft strategy recognises there is potential for risk to human health and the environment caused by the failing of onsite wastewater management systems or the inappropriate irrigation of effluent.

The purpose of the Strategy is to:

  • Provide a framework to manage and regulate the impact of onsite wastewater management systems in the Wagga Wagga LGA through efficient monitoring, regulation and community education that minimises risk to public health and the environment.
  • Provide guidance for homeowners, applicants, installers, wastewater consultants, service technicians and developers on all aspects of onsite wastewater management systems.

In accordance with State requirements, Council has consistently maintained a routine inspection program to uphold compliance with wastewater management systems.

The program involves the inspection of onsite wastewater management systems across the local government area to verify their proper installation, operation, and maintenance.

Through systematic inspections, Council proactively identifies and resolves issues pertaining to onsite wastewater management systems, minimising potential risks to public health and the environment.

Proposed changes

Key changes from Council’s previously adopted Onsite Sewage Management Plan encompass the following:

  • Landowners may choose to have licence renewal inspections conducted either by Council’s Environmental Health Officers or:
  • By a licensed plumber (for conventional systems); or
  • By a service agent (for Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems - AWTS).
  • Inspections for farmlands (over 20 Ha properties) are proposed to be reinstated based on the risk management framework i.e., with high-risk properties prioritised for example in highly sensitive areas such as along rivers, creeks, or with a history of system issues or systems at their end of useful life.

* Please note that all new installations or alterations still require prior approval and installation inspections by Council’s Environmental Health Officers.