On the Southern Mornington Peninsula between Rye and Portsea, around 18,000 properties currently rely on a septic tank to manage household sewage.

With the large number of properties in this area and the relatively small lot sizes, existing septic tank systems are often unable to contain household wastewater within the property boundary. Combined with a small percentage of poorly maintained septic tanks, this wastewater has been identified as creating low levels of contamination in our groundwater system.

South East Water is now working closely with key stakeholders to explore options for reducing local groundwater contamination by developing a future sewage management approach for the 18,000 properties relying on septic tanks.

Our local stakeholder reference group

To help us develop by a sewage management approach, we have established a stakeholder reference group, involving members from local residents groups, Mornington Peninsula Shire, government and water authorities, as well as commercial, agricultural and environmental representatives.

Our stakeholder reference group meets regularly to provide ongoing feedback to our project team.

Timeframe

We are aiming to identify a preferred strategy for sewerage management by early 2012.

Construction is expected to commence in 2015. Depending on the final approach adopted, construction may take between 10 to 15 years to complete.

Get involved

You are welcome to attend a stakeholder reference group meeting to observe the process and listen to the discussion. To register your attendance please contact South East Water’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Sandra Glass (details below).

A range of other opportunities will also be available for you to hear about the project. All upcoming opportunities will be listed on our website.

More information?

If you have any questions or would like to hear more on the project please contact Sandra Glass:

Phone:   1800 330 129
Email:  morningtonpeninsula@sewl.com.au
Post:   Sandra Glass
           Community Engagement Coordinator
           South East Water
           Locked Bag 1 
           Moorabbin VIC 3189

If you belong to a local community group please contact us to talk to you about the project.