May 28, 2026
Toowoomba Regional Council has reminded property owners with on-site sewerage facilities (OSSF) to service the equipment at the specified times and always follow approved operating procedures.
These are self-contained systems that treat and dispose of domestic wastewater, usually on rural residential properties in unsewered areas.
Cr Kerry Shine said property owners had a responsibility to keep their facilities properly maintained and functioning in line with approved designs under Queensland legislation.
Queensland local governments are also required to maintain a record of all on-site sewerage facilities in their region.
“Property owners must ensure all plumbing and drainage on their property is kept in good condition and operates properly,” Cr Shine said.
“If an OSSF is not operating correctly, it can create potential health risks, damage the environment and affect the property and surrounding areas.
“To minimise any potential risks, it is important that homeowners do not move hoses and sprinklers connected to the system outside the approved Land Application Area (LAA). Approved systems are issued with a designated LAA on the plumbing permit, which is where the sprinklers must remain.
“Property owners also have a responsibility to ensure tenants understand and comply with the facility’s maintenance and usage requirements.
“Regular servicing by an approved agent in line with the original plumbing approval will keep an OSSF in good condition.
“Aerated wastewater treatment plants, which comprise the majority of OSSFs, typically should be serviced every three months.
“Council does, and will continue to, take compliance action in relation to non-compliant OSSFs under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018.”
Cr Shine said residents with specific queries relating to treatment plants and maintenance requirements, should contact their service agent or manufacturer.
- More information is also available on the TRC website and the State Government’s Department of Housing and Public Works website
