Holding tank pump-outs
Council manages a holding tank service contract on behalf of domestic and commercial residents.
Council manages a holding tank service contract on behalf of domestic and commercial customers. However, from July 2023, council will no longer manage this service on behalf of our community. Please read the frequently asked questions to find out more.
The cost of the service pays for the full cost of:
- providing the service
- treating holding tank waste at sewage treatment plants.
Pump-out costs
Three pump-out frequencies are available to holding tank owners as follows:
| Liquid Waste Service | Annual Charge 2022-2023 |
| Permanent Holding Tank Services (weekly) | $6.692.00 |
| Permanent Holding Tank Services (fortnightly) | $3.345.00 |
| Permanent Holding Tank Services (every four weeks) | $1.673.00 |
Note:
A maximum pump out allowance of 5,000 litres per service is included in the scheduled holding tank charge.
Any extra litres which extracted are charged at the rate of $0.01 per litre and are invoiced to the property owner.
A cyclic frequency for low occupancy premises is also available at $180.00 per service.
You can decrease pump-out frequency, and in turn costs, by reducing the amount of wastewater that enters the system:
- Divert grey water from the laundry or bathroom.
- Fix dripping taps.
- Install a low flow showerhead and dual flush toilets.
- Reduce shower times.
- Do not allow roof or surface water to enter the system.
- Join council’s free Living Smart homes program and learn how it may reduce your home’s water consumption.
- Download your guide to reducing waste water for holding tanks (PDF, 329KB).
Council charges holding tank service fees on the two rate notices for the year, in advance.
Additional services
Additional or extra holding tank services are available if service is required prior to scheduled service day. Once frequency of holding tank service is set, if service is required outside scheduled timeframe, additional service fee applies.
Additional service charge is $180.00 per service when requested during contracted hours (Monday to Saturday). If an additional service is required after hours, a charge of $453.00 is applicable.