Funding for blackwood wastewater management

Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville today announced $2.6 million in funding for domestic wastewater management in Blackwood.

Minister Neville made the announcement with Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas in Blackwood, meeting with residents and other stakeholders.

The program will replace or upgrade faulty septic tanks identified through an audit of septic tanks in the Blackwood area conducted by Moorabool Shire Council.

The audit found that while about three quarters of septic tanks in and around Blackwood had no issues, the remaining 24 per cent had faults ranging from cracked lids to major failures.

In September 2014, the then Shadow Minister for Water, Martin Foley, made a commitment to bring key agencies together to find a solution for Blackwood’s wastewater issues.

The resultant working group – made up of Moorabool Shire Council, local water authorities and State Government agencies – has played a key role in reaching this solution known as the Blackwood Localised Septic Program.

The solution includes a commitment to provide a support program, including planning assistance, for owners of blocks who are looking build on their land and will need to install an on-site wastewater system.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville
"I am pleased that we are delivering on the commitment made before the last election – to fully understand the challenges with wastewater in Blackwood and work with the community to get the best outcome.

“I’m glad that we have been able to deliver for the community of Blackwood and provide a solution for existing households and a way forward for those landholders who wish to build on blocks of land they own in the area."

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"Under the solution we’ve reached, residents will have a low cost and effective outcome for their properties and there’ll be environmental benefits in reducing leakage of wastewater.

“It’s been a long process but I’m glad we have a positive outcome and I look forward to continue to working with them as the project is implemented."