Sewerage backlogs ‘stinks’

Paul Dunlop
IT stinks.
That was the message from Cardinia Shire councillors angry about the ongoing wait to have several local towns connected to reticulated sewerage systems.
Frustration spilt over in the council chambers when a report to council’s 16 October meeting warned of mounting environment risks caused by failing septic systems.
Central Ward councillor Kate Lempriere said it was an “absolute disgrace” that towns were still waiting for sewerage connections.
The draft Domestic Wastewater Management Plan said Nar Nar Goon and Bunyip in particular were at risk of having waterways and roadside drains contaminated by sewage leaking from septic tanks. Despite being promised several years ago that the service would be improved, residents are still waiting.
In 2002, South East Water developed a program for providing reticulated sewer that indicated that Nar Nar Goon and Tynong would be constructed in 2005.
But an updated review of the backlog program was released last year, indicating that works would be delayed until 2008/09.
Councillors said the ongoing wait was not good enough and have called on the State Government to increase funding for the backlog project so the works can be done within the next two years.
Cr Lempriere said it was also time regional water authorities were called to account.
“I’m appalled. It’s an absolute disgrace to see effluent lying around these towns,” she said.
Cr Bill Pearson said it was crazy that towns so close to Melbourne were still without a modern sewerage system.
“You can smell it around town,” Cr Pearson said.
Cr Doug Hamilton said council must maintain pressure on South East Water and Yarra Valley Water authorities to bring the towns online.
Council’s draft plan, released for public comment, seeks to ensure the 9000plus septic systems in the shire are regularly maintained by property owners.
“If domestic wastewater is not properly managed it has the potential to cause significant danger to public health and the environment,” Cr Hamilton said.