Plumbing & Drainage

Coolamon Shire Council is the regulator of plumbing and drainage works within the Coolamon Local Government Area.

All Plumbing and Drainage works (where relevant) are administered under the following framework :

  • On-site Domestic Wastewater Management ASNZS 1547:2000;

  • Local Government Act 1993;

  • Plumbing Code of Australia;

  • ASNZS 3500 Plumbing & Drainage; and

  • Local Government (General) Regulation 2005

Application & Approval Process

Council approval is required if you intend to:

  • Connect or disconnect to/from Council's sewer or stormwater drainage systems
  • Carry out work to internal property services (including major or minor plumbing and drainage works such as additions, alterations, renovations, or erection of new buildings)

Approval is required under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 (Activity Approval) for:

  • PART B4 – Carry out sewerage work
  • PART B5 – Carry out stormwater drainage work
  • PART B6 – Connect a private drain or sewer with a public drain or sewer under Council control or with a drain or sewer that connects to such a public drain or sewer

Applications are also required for on-site sewage management systems (septic systems) under:

  • PART C5 – Install, construct or alter a waste treatment device or a human waste storage facility or a drain connected to any such device or facility
  • PART C6 – Operate a system of sewage management (within the meaning of section 68A)

Important: Plumbing contractors must submit completed Notice of Works & Certificate of Compliance Forms to meet NSW Department of Fair Trading requirements. Failure to do so will prevent inspections and issuing of final/occupation certificates.

How to Apply for a Section 68 Approval (NSW Planning Portal)

Follow these steps to lodge a Section 68 Activity Approval (plumbing, drainage or on-site sewage management) through the NSW Planning Portal.

Step 1 – Prepare Your Information

Gather:

  • Completed Activities Approval Application Form and Section 68 Attachment A
  • Supporting plans (site plan, drainage diagram, manufacturer’s specs, land capability/soil reports)
  • Contact details of your licensed plumber or contractor
  • A method of payment for fees

Step 2 – Create or Log in to Your Portal Account

  1. Visit the NSW Planning Portal.
  2. Click Login or Create Account.
  3. Verify your email and complete your profile.

Step 3 – Start a Section 68 Application

  1. From your dashboard choose Apply → Local Government Applications.
  2. Select Section 68 – Activities Approval.
  3. Choose the relevant activity type(s), such as:
    • B4 – Carry out sewerage work
    • B5 – Carry out stormwater drainage work
    • B6 – Connect a private drain or sewer with a public system
    • C5/C6 – Install or operate an on-site sewage management system

Step 4 – Enter Property & Application Details

  • Search for and confirm your property address.
  • Provide a brief description of the proposed work and contact details.

Step 5 – Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all required PDFs or images, clearly naming each file (e.g. SiteConstraintsPlan_123SmithSt.pdf).

Step 6 – Pay the Application Fee

Pay the displayed fees online or use the payment options shown.

Step 7 – Track Progress & Respond

  • Receive a confirmation email.
  • Monitor your application through your Planning Portal dashboard.
  • Upload any further documents if requested.

Step 8 – Receive Your Approval

Once approved you will receive:

  • A Section 68 Activity Approval with conditions of consent
  • A Contractor’s Copy to provide to your licensed plumber or contractor

Need assistance?
Coolamon Shire Council can arrange a pre-lodgement meeting to review your application.
Phone (02) 6930 1800 or email eplanning@coolamon.nsw.gov.au.

On-Site Sewage Management (OSSM)

Properties not connected to Council’s reticulated sewerage system must manage household wastewater on site (e.g. septic tanks, aerated wastewater treatment systems).

Approval to install or operate an OSSM is required under Section 68, Part C6 of the Local Government Act 1993. Applications must be lodged through the NSW Planning Portal.

Minimum Submission Requirements

  • Site Constraints Plan (to scale) showing the proposed OSSMS, land application area and all buffer distances
  • Drainage Diagram (to scale) in accordance with AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing & Drainage
  • Floor Plan of any building connected to the sewage management system
  • Manufacturer’s Specifications for the proposed OSSMS
  • Site & Soil Assessment Report / Land Capability Assessment Report prepared by a suitably qualified person
  • Operations & Maintenance details covering operation, servicing and maintenance requirements

Helpful Factsheets & Checklists

Plumbing Inspections

Plumbing inspections are required on all Section 68 Activity Approvals, as specified in the conditions of consent.

  • Book inspections by contacting Council on (02) 6930 1800 at least 24 hours before the inspection.
  • A Notice of Work must be supplied to Council at least 24 hours prior to commencing any works.
Sewer Service Diagrams

Licensed plumbers must provide Sewerage Service Diagrams approved by a plumbing inspector either before or at the time of the final drainage inspection.
These are required under the Plumbing & Drainage Act 2011 No. 59.

Templates:

Sewer Service Diagram Templates

All diagrams must be in electronic format, created in CAD or using the templates, and submitted to Council before or at the final inspection.