On-site Sewage Facilities

Many Fraser Coast properties are not connected to the main sewer network. In these cases, all wastewater must be treated and disposed of using an on-site sewage facility (OSSF). For these homes, an OSSF is essential for treating and disposing of all household wastewater on the property.

An OSSF is essentially a mini sewage treatment plant in your own backyard! It has two key parts:

  • A treatment facility to process the wastewater (e.g., septic tank or treatment plant), and
  • A land application area to safely release the treated water into the environment.

As a property owner, you’re responsible for making sure your OSSF is working properly. This helps protect the health of your family, the community, and the environment.

Types of OSSFs

  • Aerated Wastewater Treatment Plants (AWTPs) - Mechanical and biological treatment with surface/subsurface irrigation
  • Aerobic Sand Filters - Filtration using sand and gravel
  • Septic Tanks - Basic treatment using natural bacteria
  • Composting Toilets - No water, biological breakdown
  • Greywater Systems - Diverts bathroom/laundry water for irrigation

Council Approval Required

Before installing an OSSF, Council approval is mandatory. Common systems include: 

  • Aerated Wastewater Treatment Plants (AWTPs) - mechanical and biological treatment with surface or subsurface irrigation 
  • Aerobic Sand Filters - natural filtration using sand and gravel 
  • Septic Tanks - basic treatment using microorganisms 
  • Composting Dry Vault Systems - biological breakdown of waste with no water 
  • Greywater Diversion Systems - redirects wastewater from baths/laundries for irrigation 

Council uses WasteID to keep track of and service history of OSSFs.

How Does WasteID Work?

WasteID is used by Council to help manage on-site sewage facilities across the region. 

  • A QR code sticker is placed in your electricity meter box
  • Scan the QR code for free access to service history, system details, and maintenance records
  • No need to be home during installation (just access to your meter box)
  • Read WasteID for more information.

Where Does Treated Wastewater Go?

Treated wastewater must be safely disposed of in a land application area:

  • Irrigation systems - Surface, subsurface, or covered surface
  • Evapotranspiration/Absorption trenches or mounds - Effluent released into soil for plant uptake

Maintaining Your OSSF

Maintenance Matters!

Your system, your responsibility! Regular maintenance is essential to keep your OSSF working properly, protect your family’s health, and avoid harm to the environment. Regular maintenance is crucial to protect your family, neighbours, and the environment. Issues like overflowing trenches, odours, or system failures can pose serious health risks. It’s also the law: under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018, maintenance is mandatory.

Maintenance includes servicing your system regularly:

  • Aerated Wastewater Treatment Plant: Service every 3 months
  • Sand Filtration System: Service every 12 months
  • Septic systems:
    • Clean the outlet filter every 3 months
    • Desludge the tank every 3–5 years by a licensed liquid waste contractor
    • Keep grass mowed and plants maintained in the land application area
  • Composting toilets:
    • Use enzyme cleaners, not disinfectants
    • Add carbon materials daily (like sawdust or coir) if needed
    • Remove and bury composted humus when full
  • Greywater systems:
    • Clean filters every 3 months
    • Clean diverter tanks every 12 months
    • Flush irrigation systems every 12 months
    • Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for greywater treatment plants. You can reuse greywater (from baths, basins, and laundry NOT kitchen sinks!) for irrigation but never store untreated greywater. 

Avoid harsh chemicals - Use only septic-safe products.

Keep an eye on your system - Look out for odours, leaks, or overflowing trenches.

Contact a licensed service agent for all inspections and servicing.

Poorly maintained OSSFs can:

  • Spread diseases (bacteria, viruses, parasites)
  • Contaminate groundwater and waterways
  • Damage soil and vegetation
  • Create odours and attract pests
  • Degrade the environment

Your OSSF must meet the standards in:

  1. Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018
  2. Plumbing and Drainage Regulation
  3. Australian/New Zealand Standard 1547: On-site Domestic Wastewater Management
  4. Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code

Council is responsible for ensuring OSSFs comply with these standards and don’t pose risks to public health or the environment.

 

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