Septic Tank Services: Do You Need Council Approval for Septic Tank Installation or Repairs in Newcastle?

Homeowners across the Hunter Region often need clear guidance on what council approvals are required before undertaking septic tank services. Whether your property sits in a Port Stephens suburb, a rural Lake Macquarie pocket, or on the outskirts of Newcastle, NSW, understanding the rules can save you significant time, cost, and legal trouble. This guide covers the Section 68 approval process, when a Development Application may also apply, and what property owners must do before any work begins.

What Is a Section 68 Approval and Why Does It Matter?

Section 68 approval is a mandatory council permit required under the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) before installing, constructing, altering, or operating an on-site sewage management system. This includes septic tanks, pump pits, aerated wastewater treatment systems (AWTS), and irrigation works. It applies across the Hunter Region, including the City of Newcastle, Port Stephens, and Lake Macquarie local government areas.



This approval is separate from a Development Application (DA). A DA confirms whether you can build on a site; a Section 68 approval confirms that your wastewater management approach is safe for the environment and public health. Both must be obtained before work begins. Installing a septic tank without council consent can result in fines and compliance problems when renewing operating approvals.

Does Every Septic Job in the Hunter Region Require Approval?

Most septic tank work requires some form of council approval. If a property is not connected to Hunter Water's sewer network, a Section 68 approval is required for any on-site sewage management system.

There are two separate approvals involved: an Approval to Install and an Approval to Operate, each submitted via a different application form. Even a like-for-like replacement may require approval because disposal areas and setbacks still need to be assessed.

At Lake Macquarie City Council, installation, alteration, or operation of waste treatment devices requires council approval. In Port Stephens, all unsewered allotments have been assigned an On-site Sewage Management Hazard Class ranging from Low to Very High, and this class determines the level of detail required in supporting documentation.

The Local Government Act 1993 also requires every property operating an on-site system to hold an Approval to Operate, which must be renewed annually.

What Do You Need to Submit for a Section 68 Application?

A complete application generally includes the following documents. Councils typically require a completed Section 68 application form via the NSW Planning Portal, a to-scale site plan showing the system location, property boundaries, and nearby watercourses, a site and soil evaluation report completed by a qualified professional, system specifications and any NSW Health Certificate of

Accreditation for the chosen product, and the name and licence number of the licensed plumber carrying out the installation.

A site and soil assessment is mandatory. It determines whether the property can safely manage wastewater and guides system design. Councils will not progress an application without it.

Once lodged, an Environmental Health Officer reviews all documents against the Local Government Act, Australian Standards, and local council policies. Review times typically range from two to six weeks. A missing document can reset that timeline, so checking the relevant council's checklist before submitting is strongly recommended.

Who Can Legally Carry Out the Work?

Only licensed plumbers or accredited septic installers may carry out installation or significant repair work on septic systems in NSW. Once installation is complete, the council or an accredited certifier must inspect the work to confirm it matches the approved plans. If satisfactory, they issue an Approval to Operate.



Routine septic tank services such as pump-outs and cleaning typically do not require a new Section 68 application. However, maintenance remains the property owner's responsibility, and tanks should be pumped out every three years to maintain efficiency and prevent system failure.

What Happens if You Skip Council Approval?

Operating a system without the correct approval can lead to fines and enforcement action. In Port Stephens, existing systems are inspected by council officers on a regular basis. Unapproved work detected during an inspection may require costly remediation.

Do Repairs to an Existing System Need Approval?

Minor maintenance generally does not require a new application, but structural or system-altering repairs may. Whether you are installing a new AWTS, a traditional septic tank, or significantly modifying an existing setup, council sign-off is required. When in doubt, contact your local council's environmental health team before beginning any work.

Get Expert Support for Septic Tank Services

Understanding the approval process early makes a significant difference. Homeowners should start by confirming their property's connection status with Hunter Water, then contact their local council to determine the applicable hazard class and required documents before any work is planned.

Red Horse Haulage provides professional septic tank services across Newcastle, the Hunter Region, and the Central Coast, with over 15 years of experience handling residential, commercial, and industrial systems. Whether you need routine pump-outs, emergency attendance, or advice on your system's condition, the team is available 24/7. Reach out via the contact page or call 0467 321 764 to speak with the team today.

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