SOUTHERN Moreton Bay Islands residents are being asked to help build the case for a major investigation into the future of wastewater management amid concerns thousands of small lots could face increasing pressure as development continues.
Division 5 Councillor Shane Rendalls has launched a community-led project aimed at documenting the condition, cost and environmental risks of onsite wastewater systems across Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands.
The islands are not connected to a central sewerage network, leaving homes and businesses reliant on septic tanks, treatment plants and other onsite systems.
Cr Rendalls said the issue had been treated for too long as a private property compliance matter rather than a broader infrastructure challenge.
“Nothing has happened for 54 years, and it is unlikely anything will [happen] as no one wants to ask the questions nor allocate the resources,” he said. “So, we will do it ourselves.”
The proposed Southern Moreton Bay Islands Wastewater Working Group will begin with public meetings on the islands to form a community working group, with the project expected to take between nine and 12 months depending on volunteer involvement.
Its purpose is not to decide that sewerage is the answer but to establish an evidence base to determine whether a formal wastewater feasibility study is warranted.
The project plan identifies major information gaps, including the age and condition of existing systems, maintenance histories, failure rates, household costs and the effects of wet weather.
It will seek to map historic wastewater approvals, survey residents, consult technical experts and potentially establish citizen-science monitoring of suspected leakage, runoff, bores and wells.
Many island allotments are about 500 to 600 square metres, leaving limited room for houses, tanks, driveways, setbacks and the land needed to safely treat and disperse wastewater.
The plan says those constraints can become more difficult when systems need replacing or upgrading, particularly on older lots.
The group hopes its findings will support a costed proposal for a detailed feasibility study and strengthen applications for State and Federal funding.
Residents keen on joining the project can email shane.rendalls@redland.qld.gov.au.
