Frankston Residents Face New Environmental Rules for Properties, Businesses

Residents and business owners in Frankston are navigating a range of environmental requirements as the council enforces standards set under the Victorian Environment Protection Act 2017 and Environment Protection Regulations 2021. These regulations, which include a zero-tolerance approach to illegal fill dumping and contamination, are designed to maintain local environmental health, yet they require residents to remain diligent regarding property maintenance and project approvals.

Managing Onsite Systems and Coastal Land

For many households, the management of onsite wastewater systems (OWMS) is a significant aspect of compliance. A council permit is required to construct, install, or alter any system that treats up to 5,000 litres per day. Systems that exceed this flow threshold are subject to separate approval processes through the Environment Protection Authority. Ensuring these systems are properly permitted is a critical part of household responsibility, particularly for those in areas not serviced by a centralised network.

Property owners near the waterfront should also be aware of specific restrictions regarding coastal Crown land. Under the Marine and Coastal Act 2018, private individuals cannot carry out works on these lands without formal consent. This policy impacts planned improvements or alterations to properties bordering the coastline, requiring residents to secure appropriate permissions before beginning any land-based projects.

Tree Management and Aquatic Facility Standards

Landscape maintenance also falls under regulatory oversight, specifically regarding the removal or pruning of vegetation. A permit is required to remove, destroy, prune, or lop substantial trees and native vegetation. While there are exceptions for environmental weeds or minor pruning of less than one-third of the crown, residents must verify these conditions before proceeding to avoid potential compliance issues. Works carried out by Parks Victoria remain exempt from these specific permit requirements.

Furthermore, businesses operating aquatic facilities face strict oversight. Whether these venues are categorized as Category 1 (registered) or Category 2 (notified), they must maintain a Water Quality Risk Management Plan as mandated by the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019. These regulations are intended to ensure consistent safety standards across all public aquatic spaces in the city. As these requirements continue to shape the local regulatory environment, residents are encouraged to consult council documentation to ensure their property projects and business operations align with current standards.