The final Domestic Waste Water Management Plan will be presented to councillors at Tuesday’s meeting.

The draft document caused controversy in May when council staff flagged a possible $150 fee for residents to pay for council inspections of their sewerage systems, which was dubbed as a “poo tax”.

But the final plan confirmed the council will pay the costs of inspections, which were expected to be $15,000 to cover 100 properties in the first year and $30,000 for 200 properties in the second year.

The council budgeted $65,000 next year for the project.

The end result will be a database of about 4000 sewerage systems.

The report stated problems had included odour from waste pooling in drains and flat areas, pollution from the systems, spillage into creeks and rivers, and contamination of groundwater.

Property owners will not have to pay for the inspections themselves, but the possibility of other costs was left open. 

“Other councils in Victoria and the MAV have explored options for additional funds to cover online system management through, for example, a levy or special rate on properties with onsite systems,” the report stated.

“Council will monitor the progress of these investigations and consider implementation of a domestic wastewater charge if it is found to be a practical option elsewhere.”

The report for councillors stated the plan will assist in protecting the environment and health and wellbeing of the community.

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