Southern Wastewater is a small and specialised team delivering council-ready on-site wastewater assessments (On-site Sewage Management (OSSM)) reporting and land capability assessment services.

 

We support developments of any size across the Southern Highlands, South Coast, Southern Tablelands and South-West Sydney, complying with council requirements including Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, Liverpool, Goulburn Mulwaree, Yass Valley, Queanbeyan–Palerang and others.

 

Our efficient and agile approach delivers an unparalleled service - providing fast turnaround times for site visits and final reports, ensuring lean costs for our clients, along with clear and reliable client support to help keep your project moving.​​​

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Land capability assessments

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For subdivision projects, a land capability assessment is a critical early step. It confirms that a site can realistically support on-site wastewater management and helps avoid lot layouts that won’t meet council requirements later.

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Southern Wastewater Consulting assesses soil conditions, slope, drainage and environmental constraints to determine the suitability of effluent disposal areas, internal roads, servicing infrastructure and future dwellings. The assessment is designed to support subdivision feasibility and concept layouts before DA lodgement.

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Our reports identify site constraints such as effluent disposal zones, steep land, riparian areas, poorly draining soils and native vegetation, with practical land management recommendations for each.

Assessments are prepared for Council submission and include clear mapping of constraints, suitable disposal areas and any required buffers, helping reduce uncertainty and streamline approvals.​

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What is a land capability assessment for wastewater?
A land capability assessment evaluates whether a site can safely and sustainably support an on-site wastewater management system. It looks at soil type, slope, drainage, setbacks and environmental constraints to confirm suitable effluent disposal areas—often at subdivision or concept design stage.

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When is a land capability assessment required for a subdivision?
Most councils require a land capability or wastewater suitability assessment where lots are not connected to town sewer. It is commonly needed to support subdivision feasibility, concept plans or a development application (DA).

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Is a land capability assessment the same as a wastewater management plan?
Not exactly. A land capability assessment confirms whether suitable disposal areas exist and identifies constraints. It is often used to demonstrate that a wastewater management plan can be achieved, particularly at early stages of a subdivision.

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What does the assessment consider?
Assessments typically consider soil characteristics, permeability, slope, site drainage, groundwater, buffers, waterways, vegetation and lot layout. This helps determine where effluent disposal systems can be located and what design considerations apply.

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Will Council accept a land capability assessment?
Yes. Our land capability assessments are prepared specifically for Council submission and align with NSW council requirements, including mapping of constraints, buffer distances and recommended disposal areas.

 

Can this be done before lodging a DA?
Absolutely. Completing a land capability assessment early can help avoid redesigns, delays and uncertainty by confirming wastewater feasibility before detailed design or DA lodgement.

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Which areas do you service?
Southern Wastewater Consulting provides land capability and on-site wastewater assessments across the South Coast NSW, Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands, South-West Sydney and surrounding regional areas.