highest-priority unsewered township in the Shire
A local community campaign
Sewerage for PenshurstOur town cannot grow without essential wastewater infrastructure
Council has not confirmed a dependable permanent servicing pathway when an existing septic system must be replaced or a home rebuilt and wastewater cannot be contained onsite.
Read the update →Why this campaign exists
The community first needs to know the plan exists
While efforts to raise awareness have come from many within the township, residents as a whole did not know Council had released the draft or invited feedback.
This campaign was established by residents to inform the community that the plan exists, provide a simpler way to understand and respond to the issue, and demonstrate support for a sewerage solution.
From Council's 2026–2031 draft plan
Penshurst is already the first priority
These are Council's own figures, not campaign estimates.
of assessed properties classed as unable to contain wastewater onsite
Penshurst properties identified as non-containment lots
recorded systems with serious or major failures
What is changing
Council recognises the problem. Now we need action.
The draft ranks Penshurst as Very High risk and proposes structured investigation with Wannon Water into alternative servicing or coordinated long-term management.
It also proposes continued action on known failures, legacy systems and offsite impacts. Council is formally recognising that individual septic systems are not a sustainable answer for every Penshurst property.
But it does not yet promise:
- A completed feasibility study by a fixed date
- A selected sewerage solution
- Construction funding
- A delivery timetable
Reasons people may hesitate
The problem does not disappear if we ignore it
“My septic works.”
Council's draft identifies widespread wastewater problems across Penshurst. A system that still drains is not necessarily operating safely or meeting current requirements. Under strengthened EPA standards, many systems may require assessment, upgrading or replacement. Assuming yours works does not mean Council will agree.
“I don't want to pay more.”
Rejecting sewerage does not make the cost disappear. Without a coordinated solution, individual owners may carry the cost of assessments, upgrades, replacement systems or ongoing offsite wastewater removal themselves.
“My property is not affected.”
You do not live in isolation from the town around you. Constraints on housing, rebuilding and business premises affect Penshurst's services, customers, investment and long-term viability—including the value of remaining here.
“We have been through this before.”
The problem remains because it was never resolved. Previous studies should shorten the path to a funded solution, not justify another delay. If the community remains silent, the issue can be deferred again.
What we are asking for
A practical, transparent and funded pathway
- Recognise that maintenance and compliance cannot overcome constrained lot sizes.
- Investigate practical sewerage options, costs and long-term benefits transparently.
- Protect practical pathways for existing homes and businesses to repair, rebuild and operate.
- Pursue a coordinated solution and funding across Council, Wannon Water and the Victorian and Federal governments before any proposal is put to the community.
- Ensure any future proposal is affordable, transparent and developed with the community.
Businesses need your support
Our town's services need room to operate and grow
Our shops and services must be able to operate properly within the limited footprints they currently occupy. Without suitable wastewater infrastructure, their ability to improve, expand and meet the community's needs remains constrained. Some businesses have been unable to reopen because of this very issue.
Businesses need residents, visitors and investment—and that growth requires appropriate infrastructure.
Penshurst needs visible leadership
Residents deserve to hear from their representatives
This issue requires visible leadership from our elected Council representatives. Residents deserve to hear clearly how their representatives understand the draft, what protections they expect for Penshurst, and what action they will support toward a long-term sewerage solution.
This decision is already moving forward
Council must decide how wastewater risks will be managed in Penshurst
The plan may guide future decisions whether residents participate or remain silent. Signing takes only a few minutes. If you do not support the petition, please provide your own feedback directly to Council.
A well-maintained septic system cannot create more land.
Make your own decision
Sign the community petition
Support the call for practical investigation, transparent costs, government funding and a long-term wastewater solution for Penshurst.
Signing does not commit you to a particular system, provider or household charge.
Every signature strengthens the evidence for government investment in Penshurst.
0 people have signed
Thank you for standing up for Penshurst.
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Give feedback directly
You do not have to support this petition to have your say
Read Council's draft and provide your own feedback. Community participation matters whether you support, oppose or have concerns about the plan.
Council's advertised feedback period closes 27 September 2026.
Check the source
Read Council's published documents
The campaign's information is drawn from Southern Grampians Shire Council's draft plan and accompanying FAQ. Read the original documents and make your own decision.
Full draft planOnsite Wastewater Management Plan 2026–2031Open PDF — 182 pages
Council FAQDraft Wastewater Management Plan FAQOpen PDF — 2 pages
Source referenced in the community mailout: Southern Grampians Shire Council, Draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan 2026–2031, including the Penshurst OCR Risk Map, lot-size guidance and township-prioritisation assessment.
Simple answers
Common questions
Is Council promising to build sewerage?
No. The draft discusses investigation but does not commit to delivering a sewerage solution.
Does signing commit me to paying for a particular system?
No. Signing supports investigation, transparent costs, government funding and a long-term solution. It does not commit you to a design, provider or household charge.
What if I do not support the petition?
Please read Council's documents and provide your own feedback directly to Council. Silence still allows the decision-making process to continue.
Is this an official Council site?
No. This is an independent community campaign established by Penshurst residents David Bull and Jacqueline Norris.