Water (Lake Eildon Recreational Area) (Houseboats) Regulations 2024
S.R. No. 44/2024
Version as at
10 June 2024
TABLE OF PROVISIONS
Regulation Page
Part 1—Preliminary 1
1 Objectives 1
2 Authorising provision 1
3 Commencement 1
4 Revocations 1
5 Definitions 2
Part 2—Licence requirements 8
6 Licence requirements 8
7 Application for a houseboat licence 8
8 Issue of a houseboat licence 9
9 Inspection of houseboats 11
10 Maximum number of houseboat licences 11
11 Expiry of a houseboat licence 12
12 Terms or conditions of a houseboat licence 12
13 Revocation of a houseboat licence 12
14 Restricted term licence 14
15 No transfer of houseboat licence to another houseboat 15
16 Transfer of houseboat licence to another person 15
Part 3—Control of sanitary waste on Lake 17
17 Deposit or discharge of foreign matter 17
18 Disposal of blackwater in Lake Eildon recreational area 17
Part 4—Miscellaneous 18
19 Alteration to an on‑board blackwater system 18
20 Alteration to a simple greywater treatment system 18
21 Alteration to a comprehensive on‑board greywater treatment system 18
22 Alteration to a pre‑existing on‑board greywater treatment system 19
23 Change of address 19
Schedule 1—Specifications for on‑board blackwater systems 20
Schedule 2—Greywater treatment specifications and standards 27
Schedule 3—Fees for administration of licences 38
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Endnotes 39
1 General information 39
2 Table of Amendments 41
3 Explanatory details 42
Version No.001
Water (Lake Eildon Recreational Area) (Houseboats) Regulations 2024
S.R. No. 44/2024
Version as at
10 June 2024
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Objectives
The objectives of these Regulations are—
(a) to provide for the control and management of houseboats within the Lake Eildon recreational area; and
(b) to mitigate risks to human health and the environment from houseboat wastewater within the Lake Eildon recreational area.
2 Authorising provision
These Regulations are made under section 324 of the Water Act 1989.
3 Commencement
These Regulations come into operation on 10 June 2024.
4 Revocations
The following Regulations are revoked—
(a) the Water (Lake Eildon Recreational Area) (Houseboats) Regulations 2013[1];
(b) the Water (Lake Eildon Recreational Area) (Houseboats) Amendment Regulations 2017[2].
5 Definitions
In these Regulations—
AS 4995‑2009 means the Australian Standard AS 4995—2009, Greywater treatment systems for vessels operated on inland waters, as published on 9 September 2009;
AS/NZS 3500.2 means the Australian/New Zealand Standard 3500.2, Plumbing and drainage—Part 2: Sanitary plumbing and drainage, as published from time to time;
blackwater means human excreta or wastewater discharged from toilets;
commercial houseboat means a houseboat that is intended for commercial use;
comprehensive on‑board greywater treatment system means a treatment device or unit designed to treat greywater that—
(a) is installed on a houseboat; and
(b) is not a pre‑existing on‑board greywater treatment system;
deck means any horizontal platform covering the whole or part of the pontoons or hull of a houseboat;
GMR Water Corporation means the Goulburn‑Murray Rural Water Corporation;
greywater means—
(a) kitchen wastewater; or
(b) wastewater that has been used for or produced as a result of laundering, washing, bathing or showering activities;
greywater treatment system means—
(a) a comprehensive on‑board greywater treatment system; or
(b) a pre‑existing on‑board greywater treatment system; or
(c) a simple greywater treatment system;
holding tank means any permanent container or receptacle on a houseboat that is designed and constructed to collect and store blackwater and greywater for disposal at a waste collection facility;
houseboat licence means a licence issued under regulation 8;
kitchen sink means a sink or container on a houseboat used for utensil cleaning;
kitchen wastewater means wastewater that—
(a) contains dissolved or suspended matter, such as fats, oils, food scraps, nutrients, household chemicals, soap and detergent; and
(b) may contain phosphate, nitrate and microbiological pathogens (such as bacteria or viruses); and
(c) is discharged from a kitchen sink or dishwasher;
Lake means the waters of Lake Eildon;
Lake Eildon recreational area means—
(a) the area of land and water under the management and control of the GMR Water Corporation that was declared to be the Lake Eildon Recreational Area by Order in Council dated 27 July 1966 and published in the Government Gazette on 2 August 1966, as amended—
(i) by Order in Council dated 15 December 1970 and published in the Government Gazette on 16 December 1970; and
(ii) by Order in Council dated 20 February 1973 and published in the Government Gazette on 21 February 1973; and
(iii) by Order in Council dated 18 February 1975 and published in the Government Gazette on 26 February 1975; and
(b) any other land that is determined to be a part of the Lake Eildon Recreational Area under section 122ZA of the Water Act 1989;
length, of a houseboat, means the distance between the most extreme fore and aft points of the houseboat, including all motors and structural appendages (such as bumper bars, duckboards, eaves, handrails, ski platforms and walkways), measured in a direct line that bisects the houseboat medially;
licensed plumber has the same meaning as in section 221B(1) of the Building Act 1993;
mooring means a berth in a marina or other anchorage to which a houseboat can be attached;
multi‑deck houseboat means a houseboat with 2 or more separate and enclosed levels above the deck;
new greywater discharge standard means the standard specified in Part 3 of Schedule 2;
new houseboat means a houseboat for which—
(a) an application for a houseboat licence is made on or after 11 June 2026; and
(b) a houseboat licence has not previously been issued;
old greywater discharge standard means the standard specified in Part 5 of Schedule 2;
on‑board blackwater system means a system—
(a) that is installed on a houseboat; and
(b) in which blackwater is isolated and stored in a holding tank, pending its disposal at a waste collection facility;
owner, of a houseboat, means—
(a) the person in whose name the houseboat is registered under the Marine Safety Act 2010; or
(b) if the houseboat is not registered under the Marine Safety Act 2010, the legal owner of the houseboat;
pre‑existing on‑board greywater treatment system means a treatment device or unit designed to treat greywater that—
(a) was installed on a houseboat between 12 June 2013 and 17 October 2017; and
(b) complied with Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Water (Lake Eildon Recreational Area) (Houseboats) Regulations 2013 as in force during the period referred to in paragraph (a);
restricted term licence means a licence issued under regulation 14;
school holiday period means the period between Government school terms as determined under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006;
simple greywater treatment system means a system consisting of—
(a) an inline strainer or filter designed to filter kitchen wastewater particles greater than 3 millimetres in diameter; and
(b) a grease trap that is designed to remove pollutants from kitchen wastewater;
single‑deck houseboat means a houseboat with one enclosed level above the deck;
toilet includes a urinal;
trailable houseboat means a houseboat that may be towed to and from the Lake without the need for a class O vehicle permit under the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021[3];
type 1 houseboat means a commercial houseboat (other than a new houseboat) that is—
(a) a single‑deck houseboat with a length greater than 10∙6 metres or a width greater than 4∙5 metres; or
(b) a multi‑deck houseboat;
type 2 houseboat means a new houseboat that is—
(a) a single‑deck houseboat with a length greater than 10∙6 metres or a width greater than 4∙5 metres; or
(b) a multi‑deck houseboat;
type 3 houseboat means a houseboat (other than a commercial houseboat or a new houseboat) that is—
(a) a single‑deck houseboat with a length greater than 10∙6 metres or a width greater than 4∙5 metres; or
(b) a multi‑deck houseboat;
waste collection facility means a facility or unit that is—
(a) designed and constructed to receive the contents of a holding tank or portable toilet; and
(b) controlled and managed by the GMR Water Corporation;
width, of a houseboat, means the distance between the most extreme points of the starboard and port sides of the houseboat, including all structural appendages (such as bumper bars, duckboards, eaves, handrails, ski platforms and walkways), measured in a direct line perpendicular to the line measuring the length of the houseboat.
Part 2—Licence requirements
6 Licence requirements
A person must not leave or operate a houseboat within the Lake Eildon recreational area unless it is licensed under this Part.
Penalty: In the case of an individual,
20 penalty units;
In the case of a body corporate, 40 penalty units.
7 Application for a houseboat licence
(1) The owner of a houseboat may apply to the GMR Water Corporation for a houseboat licence to leave and operate the houseboat within the Lake Eildon recreational area.
(2) An application for a houseboat licence must—
(a) be made in a form and manner approved by the GMR Water Corporation; and
(b) be accompanied by payment of—
(i) for an initial licence application, the appropriate fee specified in Schedule 3; or
(ii) for a licence renewal application, the appropriate fee determined by the GMR Water Corporation; and
(c) be accompanied by evidence of the applicant's ownership of the houseboat.
(3) If an application for a houseboat licence is made after 31 July in any year, the fee under subregulation (2)(b) must be reduced by one twelfth for each completed month since 1 July of that year.
8 Issue of a houseboat licence
(1) The GMR Water Corporation may issue a houseboat licence, on any terms and conditions the GMR Water Corporation considers appropriate, if it is satisfied that—
(a) the houseboat is not more than 20 metres in length and not more than 8 metres in width; and
(b) the applicant for the licence is the owner of the houseboat; and
(c) the applicant has obtained a permanent mooring for the houseboat; and
(d) all fees that the applicant is liable to pay to the GMR Water Corporation in relation to a houseboat licence have been paid; and
(e) one of the following is installed on the houseboat and is in good working order—
(i) a toilet connected to an on‑board blackwater system that complies with the specifications in Schedule 1;
(ii) if the design of the houseboat precludes a toilet connected to an on‑board blackwater system, a portable toilet; and
(f) in the case that the houseboat is required by subregulation (2) to have a greywater treatment system, the houseboat has that system and the system is in good working order; and
(g) a compliance certificate has been issued by a licensed plumber, in accordance with Part 12A of the Building Act 1993, for all plumbing work in respect of the blackwater and greywater installations required for the houseboat.
(2) For the purposes of subregulation (1)(f)—
(a) a type 1 houseboat, in respect of which an application is made on or after 1 January 2034, is required to have—
(i) a comprehensive on‑board greywater treatment system that meets the new greywater discharge standard and that complies with the specifications in Part 2 of Schedule 2; or
(ii) a pre‑existing on‑board greywater treatment system that meets the old greywater discharge standard; and
(b) a type 2 houseboat, in respect of which an application is made on or after 11 June 2027, is required to have a comprehensive on‑board greywater treatment system that meets the new greywater discharge standard and that complies with the specifications in Part 2 of Schedule 2; and
(c) a type 3 houseboat, in respect of which an application is made on or after 1 January 2034, is required to have—
(i) a simple greywater treatment system, the grease trap of which complies with the specifications in Part 1 of Schedule 2; or
(ii) a pre‑existing on‑board greywater treatment system that meets the old greywater discharge standard.
(3) The GMR Water Corporation may refuse to issue a houseboat licence if, by issuing it, the total number of houseboat licences in force would exceed the maximum number determined by the GMR Water Corporation under regulation 10.
9 Inspection of houseboats
(1) For the purposes of regulation 8(1)(e) and (f), an authorised water officer of the GMR Water Corporation may inspect the installations and systems described in those provisions.
(2) An inspection under subregulation (1) must not be undertaken without the consent of the owner and any occupier of the houseboat.
(3) For an inspection under subregulation (1), the owner of the houseboat must pay to the GMR Water Corporation the appropriate fee specified in Schedule 3.
10 Maximum number of houseboat licences
(1) The GMR Water Corporation may determine in accordance with subregulation (2) the maximum number of houseboat licences it will issue for a 12-month period beginning 1 July, having regard to—
(a) the safety of houseboat licence holders and the amenity of the Lake; and
(b) the possibility of an unacceptable risk to public health as a result of an increase in the number of houseboat licences issued; and
(c) the possibility of an unacceptable risk to the environment as a result of an increase in the number of houseboat licences issued.
(2) A determination under subregulation (1) must be made—
(a) on or before 31 May for the following 12‑month period beginning 1 July; and
(b) by notice published in the Government Gazette and in a newspaper circulating generally in the area surrounding the Lake Eildon recreational area.
(3) If the GMR Water Corporation does not determine the maximum number of houseboat licences for a particular 12-month period beginning 1 July, the maximum number for that period is the number most recently determined for a 12-month period under this regulation.
11 Expiry of a houseboat licence
A houseboat licence expires on 30 June next following the day of issue.
12 Terms or conditions of a houseboat licence
The holder of a houseboat licence must comply with any terms or conditions of the licence.
Penalty: In the case of an individual, 20 penalty units;
In the case of a body corporate, 40 penalty units.
13 Revocation of a houseboat licence
(1) The GMR Water Corporation may revoke a houseboat licence if it reasonably believes that the holder of the houseboat licence has failed to comply with these Regulations or a term or condition to which the houseboat licence is subject.
(2) If the GMR Water Corporation proposes to revoke a houseboat licence, the GMR Water Corporation must give written notice to the holder of the houseboat licence—
(a) setting out the provision of these Regulations or the term or condition of the houseboat licence that the GMR Water Corporation believes has not been complied with; and
(b) setting out the reasons why the GMR Water Corporation believes that the provision of these Regulations or the term or condition has not been complied with; and
(c) specifying a day (not less than 14 days after giving the notice) before which, and the manner in which, the holder of the houseboat licence must comply with the provision of these Regulations or the term or condition; and
(d) stating that the houseboat licence may be revoked if the holder of the houseboat licence does not comply with the notice; and
(e) stating that the holder of the houseboat licence may make written submissions in response to the proposed revocation.
(3) The holder of a houseboat licence may make written submissions to the GMR Water Corporation within 28 days after receiving a notice under subregulation (2).
(4) In deciding whether or not to revoke a houseboat licence, the GMR Water Corporation must have regard to—
(a) any submission made under subregulation (3); and
(b) whether the notice has been complied with before the day referred to in subregulation (2)(c).
(5) The GMR Water Corporation must notify the holder of a houseboat licence in writing of its decision on whether or not to revoke the houseboat licence.
14 Restricted term licence
(1) The owner of a trailable houseboat may apply to the GMR Water Corporation for a restricted term licence.
(2) An application for a restricted term licence must—
(a) be made in a form and manner approved by the GMR Water Corporation; and
(b) be accompanied by payment of the appropriate fee specified in Schedule 3.
(3) The GMR Water Corporation may issue a restricted term licence if it is satisfied that—
(a) the trailable houseboat is less than 9∙1 metres in length; and
(b) one of the following is installed on the trailable houseboat and is in good working order—
(i) a toilet connected to an on‑board blackwater system that complies with the specifications in Schedule 1;
(ii) if the design of the trailable houseboat precludes a toilet connected to an on‑board blackwater system, a portable toilet; and
(c) all fees that the applicant is liable to pay to the GMR Water Corporation in relation to a restricted term licence have been paid.
(4) The GMR Water Corporation must not issue a restricted term licence unless the licence is for—
(a) a period of no more than 14 days; or
(b) the duration of a school holiday period.
(5) The GMR Water Corporation must not issue a restricted term licence to the same person more than 4 times in any calendar year.
(6) The holder of a restricted term licence must ensure that a copy of the licence is kept on the trailable houseboat in respect of which the licence is issued at all times.
Penalty: In the case of an individual, 3 penalty units;
In the case of a body corporate, 6 penalty units.
15 No transfer of houseboat licence to another houseboat
A houseboat licence is not transferable to another houseboat.
16 Transfer of houseboat licence to another person
(1) If the owner of a houseboat, in respect of which a houseboat licence is in force, transfers ownership of the houseboat to another person (the new owner), the new owner may apply to the GMR Water Corporation for the transfer of the licence to the new owner.
(2) An application for the transfer of a houseboat licence must—
(a) be made in a form and manner approved by the GMR Water Corporation; and
(b) be accompanied by payment of the appropriate fee specified in Schedule 3; and
(c) be accompanied by evidence of the applicant's ownership of the houseboat.
(3) The GMR Water Corporation may transfer a houseboat licence if it is satisfied that the applicant for the transfer of the licence is the new owner of the houseboat.
Part 3—Control of sanitary waste on Lake
17 Deposit or discharge of foreign matter
(1) A person must not deposit or discharge into any on‑board blackwater system, on a houseboat within the Lake Eildon recreational area, any substance that is not blackwater or greywater.
Penalty: In the case of an individual, 20 penalty units;
In the case of a body corporate, 40 penalty units.
(2) A person must not deposit or discharge into any greywater treatment system, on a houseboat within the Lake Eildon recreational area, any substance that is not greywater.
Penalty: In the case of an individual, 20 penalty units;
In the case of a body corporate, 40 penalty units.
18 Disposal of blackwater in Lake Eildon recreational area
A person must not dispose of, release or discharge blackwater from a houseboat within the Lake Eildon recreational area other than to a waste collection facility.
Penalty: In the case of an individual, 20 penalty units;
In the case of a body corporate, 40 penalty units.
Part 4—Miscellaneous
19 Alteration to an on‑board blackwater system
The holder of a houseboat licence for a houseboat that is within the Lake Eildon recreational area must not cause to be carried out any alterations to an on‑board blackwater system on the houseboat that result in the system ceasing to comply with the specifications set out in Schedule 1.
Penalty: In the case of an individual, 20 penalty units;
In the case of a body corporate, 40 penalty units.
20 Alteration to a simple greywater treatment system
The holder of a houseboat licence for a houseboat that is within the Lake Eildon recreational area must not cause to be carried out any alterations to a simple greywater treatment system on the houseboat that result in the system ceasing to comply with the specifications set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2.
Penalty: In the case of an individual, 20 penalty units;
In the case of a body corporate, 40 penalty units.
21 Alteration to a comprehensive on‑board greywater treatment system
The holder of a houseboat licence for a houseboat that is within the Lake Eildon recreational area must not cause to be carried out any alterations to a comprehensive on‑board greywater treatment system on the houseboat that result in
the system ceasing to comply with the specifications set out in Part 2 of Schedule 2.
Penalty: In the case of an individual, 20 penalty units;
In the case of a body corporate, 40 penalty units.
22 Alteration to a pre‑existing on‑board greywater treatment system
The holder of a houseboat licence for a houseboat that is within the Lake Eildon recreational area must not cause to be carried out any alterations to a pre‑existing on‑board greywater treatment system on the houseboat that result in the system ceasing to comply with the specifications set out in Part 4 of Schedule 2.
Penalty: In the case of an individual, 20 penalty units;
In the case of a body corporate, 40 penalty units.
23 Change of address
The holder of a houseboat licence, in writing, must advise the GMR Water Corporation of a change to the holder's primary residential address within 30 days after that change.
Penalty: In the case of an individual, 10 penalty units;
In the case of a body corporate, 20 penalty units.
Schedule 1—Specifications for on‑board blackwater systems
Regulations 5, 8(1)(e)(i), 14(3)(b)(i) and 19
1 General
1.1 Each toilet on the houseboat must be connected solely to the holding tank of the system.
1.2 The holding tank must be fitted with a standard discharge connection to enable the pipes of a reception facility to connect to the houseboat discharge pipeline.
1.3 The system must be installed to prevent the emissions of odour and vapour within the houseboat.
2 Materials
2.1 Materials used in the system that are in contact with blackwater must be resistant to—
(a) sewage; and
(b) a marine environment; and
(c) disinfectants, deodorants and chemicals that have the potential to enter the system; and
(d) cleaning agents that have the potential to enter the system; and
(e) chemical compounds, in solid, liquid or gaseous form of a toxic or explosive nature, likely to be generated in the operation of the system; and
(f) temperatures between -5°C and 60°C.
2.2 Materials used in the system must be fit for purpose and chemically, electrically and galvanically compatible.
3 Design and construction
3.1 The holding tank must be designed to remove at least 90 per cent of its contents through the pump out fitting.
3.2 The system must be designed—
(a) to incorporate a method that indicates when the holding tank is 75 per cent full by volume; and
(b) so that any vacuum toilet or macerator toilet connected to the holding tank prevents further contents from entering the holding tank when it is 90 per cent full by volume.
3.3 Clean out openings for the holding tank must be designed to be easily accessible for inspection.
4 Capacity
4.1 The holding tank and each toilet connected to it must have a combined capacity for storing waste not less than that set out in the following Table—
Table
Houseboat with 1, 2, 3 or 4 berth accommodation
60 litres
Houseboat with 5 or 6 berth accommodation
80 litres
Houseboat with at least 7 berth accommodation
130 litres
5 Seals, pipes, hoses and fittings
5.1 The pump out fitting and the pipes and hoses used within the system must—
(a) be as short and direct as practicable; and
(b) not contain any fittings that allow for the escape of blackwater, other than via the pump out fitting.
5.2 All seals and fittings of the system must be securely fastened in position—
(a) to prevent damage by abrasion, physical impact or vibration; and
(b) to allow access for inspection and replacement.
5.3 The toilet bowl of each toilet connected to the holding tank must have a mechanical or water seal.
5.4 The fittings of the system, including the covers of clean out openings of the holding tank, must be designed, constructed and installed to ensure a watertight and gastight seal.
6 Inlet to tank
6.1 For a drop toilet connected to the holding tank—
(a) the inlet to the tank must have no more than 2 changes of direction, at no greater than 45°; and
(b) the inlet must have a diameter of at least 75 millimetres.
6.2 For a macerator or vacuum toilet connected to the holding tank, the inlet to the tank must be—
(a) the size required by the manufacturer's specifications; or
(b) if no size is required by the manufacturer's specifications, at least 32 millimetres in diameter.
7 Outlet from tank
7.1 The outlet from the holding tank must be a non‑corrodible polyvinyl chloride pipe or a reinforced waste grade non‑collapsible suction pipe that is connected to a fitting installed above the spill level of the toilet bowl of each toilet on the bottom deck.
7.2 If an outlet of the suction pipe type is used, the lower end of the suction pipe must—
(a) terminate not more than 38 millimetres above the bottom of the sump of the holding tank; and
(b) be installed to ensure that the suction pipe is connected to the houseboat at an angle no greater than 30°.
7.3 The wall fitting of the outlet must consist of a 32 millimetre (1∙25 inch) internal diameter standard camlock adaptor compatible with pump out fittings used on the GMR Water Corporation's sanitation service stations.
7.4 A fitting must be provided as a gastight cover over the wall fitting of the outlet.
8 Venting
8.1 A vent pipe must be fitted to the top of the holding tank and extend to the exterior atmosphere of the houseboat.
8.2 A vent pipe must be—
(a) made of non‑corrodible material; and
(b) at least 40 millimetres in diameter; and
(c) located so as not to provide odour nuisance; and
(d) located at least 1∙5 metres from any source of ignition; and
(e) designed so that any materials that may enter the vent pipe can fall back into the holding tank; and
(f) covered with a cowl fitting to the outlet end; and
(g) at least 150 millimetres above its point of penetration through any roof covering.
8.3 If a pumping mechanism is required to remove blackwater from the system, the venting of the system must be capable of withstanding the vacuum of the pumping mechanism.
9 Flushing inlet
9.1 Provision must be made for flushing the holding tank with fresh water at times when it is being pumped out.
10 Inspection
10.1 Provision must be made for access to the holding tank to allow inspection of the holding tank and the pipe work and fittings connected to it.
10.2 A watertight and gastight fitting must be installed on the holding tank to enable inspection of the holding tank.
11 Protection
11.1 The holding tank and any parts of the outlet from the tank, the inlet to the tank and the vent pipes located below the deck level of the houseboat must be encased in steel at least 1∙5 millimetres thick or aluminium plates at least 3 millimetres thick to prevent the holding tank and the vent pipes being damaged by obstructions in the water or protruding from the water.
11.2 The steel or aluminium plates must be—
(a) suitably attached to resist movement when contacted by obstructions; and
(b) capable of being removed to enable inspection and maintenance of the system.
12 Installation, operation and maintenance
12.1 The holding tank must be—
(a) installed so as not to share common walls with fuel or potable water tanks; and
(b) securely fastened and located so as not to risk causing damage to separate pipework on the houseboat.
12.2 The system and each toilet connected to the holding tank of the system must be installed—
(a) to minimise the emission of malodorous gases; and
(b) to prevent the emission of poisonous gases (such as hydrogen sulphide) within the houseboat.
12.3 The system must be installed to prevent—
(a) backflow under normal operating conditions; and
(b) the risk of human contact with blackwater.
12.4 Plumbing work for the system must be carried out by a plumber licensed under Part 12A of the Building Act 1993.
13 Tests
13.1 If the system is connected to a pan or cistern toilet, the system must be air pressure tested in accordance with clause 15.3.2 of AS/NZS 3500.2.
13.2 If the system is connected to a vacuum toilet, the system must be vacuum tested in accordance with clauses 16.15.2 and 16.15.3 of AS/NZS 3500.2.
13.3 If the system is connected to a macerator toilet, the system must be air pressure tested to withstand air pressure of 10 kilopascals while the pressure gauge is stationary for 10 minutes.
14 Operating instructions and safety precautions
14.1 For a commercial houseboat, a placard displaying detailed operating instructions, maintenance requirements, relevant diagrams, safety precautions and warnings appropriate for the system must be permanently attached to the compartment of each toilet connected to the system.
14.2 The placard—
(a) must not display lettering less than 3 millimetres high; and
(b) must be legible and capable of withstanding the combined effects of normal wear and tear and the environmental conditions on the houseboat.
15 Identification
15.1 The system must be legibly marked with the following information on a plate attached to the system or in lettering on the system—
(a) the name of the manufacturer;
(b) the name and model number of the system;
(c) the month and year of manufacture;
(d) the volume of the holding tank.
Schedule 2—Greywater treatment specifications and standards
Regulations 5, 8(2), 20, 21 and 22
Part 1—Specifications for grease traps in simple greywater treatment systems
1 Materials
1.1 Materials used in the grease trap that are in contact with greywater must be resistant to—
(a) greywater; and
(b) disinfectants, deodorants and chemicals that have the potential to enter the grease trap; and
(c) cleaning agents that have the potential to enter the grease trap; and
(d) chemical compounds, in solid, liquid or gaseous form of a toxic or explosive nature, likely to be generated in the operation of the grease trap; and
(e) temperatures between -5°C and 60°C.
1.2 Materials used in the grease trap must be fit for purpose and chemically and galvanically compatible.
2 Design
2.1 The grease trap must be designed for use in a small, enclosed environment.
3 Capacity
3.1 The capacity of the grease trap must be—
(a) at least 20 litres; or
(b) the maximum volume that can reasonably be accommodated on the houseboat.
4 Installation and operation
4.1 Plumbing work for the grease trap must be carried out by a plumber licensed under Part 12A of the Building Act 1993.
4.2 Provision must be made for easy access to the grease trap and its key components for the purposes of cleaning and inspection and to monitor its performance.
4.3 The grease trap must be manufactured and installed—
(a) to minimise the emission of malodorous gases; and
(b) to prevent the emission of poisonous gases (such as hydrogen sulphide) within the houseboat.
4.4 The grease trap must be installed to prevent backflow under normal operating conditions.
Part 2—Specifications for comprehensive on‑board greywater treatment systems
5 Materials
5.1 Materials used in the system that are in contact with greywater must be resistant to—
(a) greywater; and
(b) disinfectants, deodorants and chemicals that have the potential to enter the system; and
(c) cleaning agents that have the potential to enter the system; and
(d) chemical compounds, in solid, liquid or gaseous form of a toxic or explosive nature, likely to be generated in the operation of the system; and
(e) temperatures between -5°C and 60°C; and
(f) damage from exposure to ultraviolet light.
5.2 Materials used in the system must be fit for purpose and chemically, electrically and galvanically compatible.
6 Design and construction
6.1 If the system requires pump out, the system must be designed to remove at least 90 per cent of its contents through the pump out fitting.
6.2 Clean out openings and fittings of the system must be designed to allow for easy access and inspection.
6.3 The system must be designed to produce very minor vibrations indistinguishable from other on‑board systems or appliances.
6.4 The system must be designed so that any noise produced by the system is indiscernible from other on‑board systems or appliances.
6.5 The system must be designed to minimise unpleasant odours.
6.6 The system must be designed to minimise the likelihood of untreated greywater being discharged from the system.
6.7 The system must be designed to incorporate an overflow function to prevent backflow impacts resulting from blockages, system malfunctions or capacity constraints.
7 Capacity
7.1 The greywater treatment capacity of the system must be—
(a) at least 20 litres per person per day; and
(b) adequate to treat the daily and peak volumes of greywater expected to be produced on the houseboat.
8 Seals, pipes, hoses and fittings
8.1 Pump out fittings and pipes and hoses between drains and the system must—
(a) be constructed from materials that are resistant to the things specified in clause 5.1(a) to (f); and
(b) be securely fastened in position to prevent damage by abrasion, physical impact or vibration and to allow access for inspection and replacement; and
(c) not allow for the possibility of back‑siphoning of treated water or the escape of gas back through the system; and
(d) not contain any fittings, other than the overflow outlet, that allow for the escape of untreated greywater.
8.2 All seals and fittings of the system, including the covers of clean out openings of the system, must be designed and constructed to ensure a watertight and gastight seal.
8.3 If the system has a holding tank, the system must have an accessible, sealable, gastight and watertight opening at least 32 millimetres in diameter for flushing, cleaning and maintenance.
9 Venting
9.1 If the system has a holding tank, a vent pipe must be fitted to the top of the system.
9.2 The vent pipe must extend above the roof height of the houseboat and must be—
(a) made of non‑corrodible material; and
(b) covered with a cowl fitting onto the outlet end of the vent pipe; and
(c) located at least 1∙5 metres from any source of ignition; and
(d) designed so as not to provide an odour nuisance; and
(e) capable of withstanding the vacuum of any pumping system that is used; and
(f) at least 150 millimetres above its point of penetration through any roof covering.
9.3 The inside diameter of the fittings to which the vent pipe is connected must not be less than 75 per cent of the inside diameter of the pipe.
10 Pump out and flushing
10.1 If the system has a holding tank that requires pump out and flushing—
(a) provision must be made for flushing the tank with fresh water at times when it is being pumped out; and
(b) the flush and pump out fittings must have a gastight cover for when they are not in use; and
(c) the houseboat must be fitted with a 32 millimetre (1∙25 inch) internal diameter standard camlock adaptor compatible with pump out fittings to discharge via the GMR Water Corporation's sanitation service stations.
11 Protection
11.1 If the system has a holding tank, the tank must be encased in material strong enough to prevent the tank being damaged by obstructions in the water or protruding from the water.
11.2 Parts of the system that are vulnerable to damage from accidental impacts from houseboat users or obstructions in the water or protruding from the water must be encased in steel at least 1∙5 millimetres thick or an aluminium sheet at least 3 millimetres thick.
11.3 The system must be securely fastened and located so as not to risk causing damage to separate pipework on the houseboat.
11.4 If the system has a holding tank, the tank must be strengthened or baffled to distribute the force of the influent.
12 Electrical systems
12.1 The electrical supply for the system must be capable of maintaining an output that meets the system manufacturer's requirements.
13 Operating instructions
13.1 For a commercial houseboat, a placard displaying information relating to the system, as specified in clause 13.3, must be permanently attached to the houseboat in a waterproof, accessible location.
13.2 The placard—
(a) must not display lettering less than 3 millimetres high; and
(b) must be legible and capable of withstanding the combined effects of normal wear and tear and the environmental conditions on the houseboat.
13.3 The placard must include the following information relating to the system—
(a) detailed operating and safety instructions;
(b) maintenance requirements;
(c) electrical information and relevant diagrams;
(d) the greywater treatment capacity of the system;
(e) chemicals acceptable to use for disinfection and relevant dosage quantities;
(f) any alarm systems;
(g) troubleshooting information;
(h) emergency procedures.
14 Identification
14.1 If a pump out fitting is required by the system, that requirement must be shown by marking on the fitting or in its vicinity.
14.2 The system must be legibly marked with the following information on a plate attached to the system or in lettering on the system—
(a) the name of the manufacturer;
(b) the name and the model number or serial number of the system;
(c) the capacity or volume of the system;
(d) the gross weight of the system;
(e) the date of manufacture;
(f) the words "WARNING: NOT FOR DRINKING".
15 Installation and operation
15.1 Plumbing work for the system must be carried out by a plumber licensed under Part 12A of the Building Act 1993.
15.2 Electrical work for the system must be carried out by an electrical worker licensed under Division 2 of Part 3 of the Electricity Safety Act 1998.
15.3 The system, in conjunction with the on‑board blackwater system, must not unreasonably affect the buoyancy of the houseboat.
15.4 If the system has a holding tank, the tank must not share common walls with potable water or fuel tanks.
15.5 The system must be installed—
(a) to minimise the emission of malodorous gases; and
(b) to prevent the emission of poisonous gases (such as hydrogen sulphide) within the houseboat.
15.6 The system must be installed to prevent—
(a) backflow, including from lake waters, under normal operating conditions; and
(b) the risk of human contact with untreated greywater.
16 Testing
16.1 The system must have been tested by the manufacturer for its effectiveness under simulated operating conditions that mimic the potential greywater loads and pollutant concentrations on a houseboat.
Part 3—New greywater discharge standard
17 New greywater discharge standard
17.1 The new greywater discharge standard for a comprehensive on‑board greywater treatment system is set out in clause 17.2.
17.2 The system must be capable of operating so that for any treated greywater discharged from the system—
(a) the chemical oxygen demand is less than 15 mg/L; and
(b) the concentration of suspended solids is less than 10 mg/L; and
(c) the total oil and grease content is less than 10 mg/L; and
(d) the turbidity is less than 5 nephelometric turbidity units; and
(e) the total phosphorus content is less than 1 mg/L; and
(f) the total nitrogen content is less than 10 mg/L; and
(g) the concentration of E. coli is less than 10 cells per 100 mL.
Part 4—Specifications for pre‑existing on‑board greywater treatment systems
18 System design, manufacture and performance
18.1 The design, manufacture and performance of the system must be in accordance with the requirements of AS 4995‑2009.
19 Materials
19.1 Materials used in the plumbing of the system must comply with the requirements of AS 4995‑2009.
19.2 Plumbing work for the system must be carried out by a plumber licensed under Part 12A of the Building Act 1993.
19.3 Electrical work for the system must be carried out by an electrical worker licensed under Division 2 of Part 3 of the Electricity Safety Act 1998.
20 Pipework and hoses
20.1 The interior of the pipework or hose leading to the system and between the system and the flush and pump out fittings must—
(a) be as smooth as practicable, to allow the free flow of greywater; and
(b) have a nominal diameter of not less than 40 millimetres.
20.2 All pipework leading to and from the system must—
(a) be as short as practicable; and
(b) be rigid, sealed and securely fixed to the houseboat; and
(c) not contain any fittings that allow for the escape of untreated greywater from the system, other than by pump out from the pump out pipe.
20.3 All inflow removable pipe joints must be tagged or sealed to indicate if tampering has occurred.
21 Electrical systems
21.1 Electrical systems for the pre‑existing on‑board greywater treatment system must—
(a) meet the requirements of AS 4995‑2009 regarding—
(i) electrical installations; and
(ii) the construction, testing and marking of electrical equipment and ex‑components intended for use in explosive atmospheres; and
(b) be powered by the houseboat.
21.2 The electrical supply for the pre‑existing on‑board greywater treatment system must—
(a) be capable of maintaining a continuous output that meets the system manufacturer's requirements; and
(b) provide a net current output of at least twice the system's demand.
Part 5—Old greywater discharge standard
22 Old greywater discharge standard
22.1 The old greywater discharge standard for a pre‑existing on‑board greywater treatment system is set out in clause 22.2.
22.2 The system must be capable of operating so that for any treated greywater discharged by the system—
(a) the concentration of suspended solids is less than 50 mg/L; and
(b) the total grease content is less than 25 mg/L; and
(c) the total nitrogen content is less than 10 mg/L; and
(d) the total phosphorus content is less than 1 mg/L; and
(e) the concentration of enterococci is less than 40 cells per 100 mL; and
(f) the concentration of E. coli is less than 100 cells per 100 mL; and
(g) the biochemical oxygen demand is reduced by digestion, oxidation or another treatment method.
Schedule 3—Fees for administration of licences
Regulations 7(2)(b)(i), 9(3),
14(2)(b) and 16(2)(b)
Fees for applications, inspections and transfers
Fee for initial houseboat licence application
19·83 fee units
Fee for inspection of single or multi‑deck houseboat in Eildon
32·15 fee units
Fee for inspection of single or multi‑deck houseboat not in Eildon
45·31 fee units
Fee for transfer of houseboat licence to another person
19·83 fee units
Fee for restricted term licence application
9·71 fee units
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Endnotes
1 General information
See www.legislation.vic.gov.au for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.
The Water (Lake Eildon Recreational Area) (Houseboats) Regulations 2024, S.R. No. 44/2024 were made on 4 June 2024 by the Lieutenant-Governor as the Governor's deputy, with the advice of the Executive Council, under section 324 of the Water Act 1989, No. 80/1989 and came into operation on 10 June 2024: regulation 3.
The Water (Lake Eildon Recreational Area) (Houseboats) Regulations 2024 will sunset 10 years after the day of making on 4 June 2034 (see section 5 of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994).
INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA)
Style changes
Section 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act.
References to ILA s. 39B
Sidenotes which cite ILA s. 39B refer to section 39B of the ILA which provides that where an undivided regulation, rule or clause of a Schedule is amended by the insertion of one or more subregulations, subrules or subclauses the original regulation, rule or clause becomes subregulation, subrule or subclause (1) and is amended by the insertion of the expression "(1)" at the beginning of the original regulation, rule or clause.
Interpretation
As from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects:
• Headings
All headings included in a Statutory Rule which is made on or after
1 January 2001 form part of that Statutory Rule. Any heading inserted in a Statutory Rule which was made before 1 January 2001, by a Statutory Rule made on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Statutory Rule.
This includes headings to Parts, Divisions or Subdivisions in a Schedule; Orders; Parts into which an Order is divided; clauses; regulations; rules; items; tables; columns; examples; diagrams; notes or forms.
See section 36(1A)(2A)(2B).
• Examples, diagrams or notes
All examples, diagrams or notes included in a Statutory Rule which is made on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Statutory Rule. Any examples, diagrams or notes inserted in a Statutory Rule which was made before 1 January 2001, by a Statutory Rule made on or after 1 January 2001, form part of that Statutory Rule. See section 36(3A).
• Punctuation
All punctuation included in a Statutory Rule which is made on or after
1 January 2001 forms part of that Statutory Rule. Any punctuation inserted in a Statutory Rule which was made before 1 January 2001, by a Statutory Rule made on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Statutory Rule.
See section 36(3B).
• Provision numbers
All provision numbers included in a Statutory Rule form part of that Statutory Rule, whether inserted in the Statutory Rule before, on or after
1 January 2001. Provision numbers include regulation numbers, rule numbers, subregulation numbers, subrule numbers, paragraphs and subparagraphs. See section 36(3C).
• Location of "legislative items"
A "legislative item" is a penalty, an example or a note. As from 13 October 2004, a legislative item relating to a provision of a Statutory Rule is taken to be at the foot of that provision even if it is preceded or followed by another legislative item that relates to that provision. For example, if a penalty at the foot of a provision is followed by a note, both of these legislative items will be regarded as being at the foot of that provision. See section 36B.
• Other material
Any explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of a Statutory Rule. See section 36(3)(3D)(3E).
2 Table of Amendments
There are no amendments made to the Water (Lake Eildon Recreational Area) (Houseboats) Regulations 2024 by statutory rules, subordinate instruments and Acts.
3 Explanatory details
Reg. 4(a): S.R. No. 60/2013 as amended by S.R. No. 102/2017 and extended in operation by S.R. No. 38/2023. ↑
Reg. 5 def. of trailable houseboat: S.R. No. 116/2021 as amended by S.R. Nos 47/2022, 51/2022, 129/2022, 130/2022, 53/2023, 54/2023 and 67/2023.
——
Fee Units
These Regulations provide for fees by reference to fee units within the meaning of the Monetary Units Act 2004.
The amount of the fee is to be calculated, in accordance with section 7 of that Act, by multiplying the number of fee units applicable by the value of a fee unit.
The value of a fee unit for the financial year commencing 1 July 2023 is $15.90 and for the financial year commencing 1 July 2024 is $16.33. The amount of the calculated fee may be rounded to the nearest 10 cents.
The value of a fee unit for future financial years is to be fixed by the Treasurer under section 5 of the Monetary Units Act 2004. The value of a fee unit for a financial year must be published in the Government Gazette and a Victorian newspaper before 1 June in the preceding financial year.
Penalty Units
These Regulations provide for penalties by reference to penalty units within the meaning of section 110 of the Sentencing Act 1991. The amount of the penalty is to be calculated, in accordance with section 7 of the Monetary Units Act 2004, by multiplying the number of penalty units applicable by the value of a penalty unit.
The value of a penalty unit for the financial year commencing 1 July 2023 is $192.31 and for the financial year commencing 1 July 2024 is $197.59. The amount of the calculated penalty may be rounded to the nearest dollar.
The value of a penalty unit for future financial years is to be fixed by the Treasurer under section 5 of the Monetary Units Act 2004. The value of a penalty unit for a financial year must be published in the Government Gazette and a Victorian newspaper before 1 June in the preceding financial year.
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Table of Applied, Adopted or Incorporated Matter
The following table of applied, adopted or incorporated matter was included in S.R. No. 44/2024 in accordance with the requirements of regulation 5 of the Subordinate Legislation Regulations 2014.
| **Statutory rule provision** | **Title of applied, adopted or incorporated document** | **Matter in applied, adopted or incorporated document** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Regulation 5, definition of ***AS 4995-2009***<br>Clauses 18.1, 19.1 and 21.1(a) of Part 4 of Schedule 2 | Australian Standard AS 4995—2009, Greywater treatment systems for vessels operated on inland waters, as published by Standards Australia on 9 September 2009 | The whole |
| Regulation 5, definition of ***AS/NZS 3500.2***<br>Clauses 13.1 and 13.2 of Schedule 1 | Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3500.2, Plumbing and drainage—Part 2: Sanitary plumbing and drainage, as published jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand on 28 May 2021 and reissued incorporating Amendment No. 1 (October 2021) | The whole |