2016-07-12 - Item 14 - Att 1 - Effluent Disposal Planning Study

4. Policy Context
4.1        Queensland Legislation
The design, approval, installation and management of on-site wastewater treatment systems are
primarily the responsibility of the Queensland government. The Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002
sets out the legislative framework. The Act is supported by the Standard Plumbing and Drainage
Regulation 2003 and the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code. The Act regulates the
plumbing and drainage industry and the management of on-site sewerage facilities. Its objectives
relate to protecting the environment, public health and safety. Provisions within the Act cover:–

           Plumbing and drainage functions performed by the Queensland Building and
            Construction Board and the Commissioner of the Queensland Building and
            Construction Commission
           Audit programs
           Licensing of plumbers and drainers
           Disciplinary actions
           Assessing plans
           Chief Executive approvals (relating to on-site sewage treatment or greywater treatment
            plants not exceeding 20 persons)
           Investigation and enforcement by Local Governments

The Act provides for the technical standards for plumbing and drainage to be set out in a
regulation. The 2003 Regulation specifies the requirements for plumbing work and drainage work
to be undertaken by licensed persons. The regulation sets out the qualifications and practical
experience required for a licence and scope of work. The regulation also provides that on-site
sewerage work must comply with the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code which includes
that the installed wastewater plant be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications.

The Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code describes performance solutions to meet the
statutory requirements of the Act. The Code has a tabular format with columns for Performance
Criteria and the relevant Acceptable Solutions. Under the Code, on-site wastewater systems must
be designed, constructed, installed and maintained in such a manner as to –

       a) protect public health by ensuring that risks associated with the dispersal of wastewater
          to the land application area are minimised; and
       b) protect the environment by ensuring-
             i.   surface and ground water are not polluted;
            ii.   soil productivity is maintained or enhanced; and
       c) minimise the impacts on and maintain and enhance amenity by ensuring it has no
          adverse impact on-
             i.   the built environment, and
            ii.   persons on and nearby the premises,
          for the design life of the facility.

There are obligations on property owners and service agents. The property owner must take
reasonable steps to properly maintain the on-site wastewater system. Service agents must provide
Council and the property owner with a report on the condition of the system within a month of
servicing it.

The Queensland Government also issues information bulletins about plumbing related matters and
on 4 November 2014 issued Building and Plumbing Newsflash 534 - On-site sewerage facility
requirements. This newsflash sets out a basic overview of how to obtain the necessary approvals



On-Site Effluent Disposal in Noosa Shire 2016                                              Page 11