Shack wastewater management plan
The EPA Science, Assessment and Planning team has been working with local councils along the River Murray seeking feedback on a draft shack wastewater management position statement.
Their aim is to raise awareness of the River Murray Water Protection Area and provide clarity to local councils on what the EPA will consider through the planning process.
In recent months the EPA has travelled to Berri, Mannum and Strathalbyn to discuss the draft position statement with all South Australian councils along the River Murray, coinciding with a six week consultation period.
Formal submissions were received from a range of stakeholders including the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR), Mid Murray, Murray Bridge and Berri Barmera councils, together with the Murraylands and Riverland Local Government Association (LGA).
During the consultation process it became evident that development plan policies, which apply in flood and fringe areas, were inconsistent between River Murray councils and raises challenges in addressing wastewater management issues in shack areas.
The EPA is continuing to work with councils, including exploring alternative strategies to effectively influence wastewater management outcomes in shack areas.
The River Murray wastewater management planning position statement and the environmental rationale are available on the EPA website.
