Building in Venus Bay: What You Need to Know About Water Tanks, Septic Systems, The BMO & Site Planning
November 2025
If you’re thinking about building a new home in Venus Bay, you’re choosing one of South Gippsland’s most relaxed coastal townships with beautiful sandy beaches, peaceful streets, and a close connection to nature. However, building here comes with a few important considerations, especially around water supply, wastewater systems and bushfire management.
As a long-established South Gippsland builder with more than 65 years’ experience, Coldon Homes understands the unique requirements of building in Venus Bay better than anyone. We’ve been guiding families through this process for decades, and we’re proud to be the trusted name in coastal and rural construction across the region. So, it’s no wonder a Coldon Homes sign can be spotted perched in front of so many new homes and vacant blocks throughout Venus Bay.
No Town Water? Here’s What That Means for Your Build
Venus Bay falls under the South Gippsland Shire and, like many remote and coastal townships, it isn’t connected to reticulated (town) water. That means every new home must have a suitable rainwater tank system to supply the household year-round.
Our in-house drafting team recommends and designs for a 22,500 litre water tank, which has proven to be the ideal size for most Venus Bay homes. This ensures a reliable supply while meeting council requirements and practical day-to-day needs for families.
Building in a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO)
Much of Venus Bay falls within a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) which is an overlay that identifies areas where bushfire hazards are significant.
For new homes in a BMO zone, owners must comply with additional design and construction requirements, including:
- Building with materials and methods that meet BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) standards
- Designing to reduce risk based on the surrounding landscape and vegetation
- Installing a dedicated 10,000-litre CFA-compatible water tank for firefighting purposes
These firefighting supply tanks are standalone units for use by the CFA only. They’re constructed from durable Colorbond steel, designed so CFA trucks can connect quickly in the event of an emergency.
Correct placement of this tank is essential. On some Venus Bay sites, slope, access, and existing vegetation can make it challenging to determine the best location for both the home and the tank. This is where our decades of local experience make a real difference. We know the land, its quirks, and the practical solutions that work.
Thoughtful Water Tank Placement Matters
Beyond the CFA tank, your main household water tank is a key part of your home design. Our team knows how to position tanks so they work both practically and aesthetically.
We consider:
- Site slope and drainage
- Roof catchment areas
- Access for future maintenance
- How to minimise visual impact
- How the tanks complement landscaping and outdoor living spaces
We also have a library of excellent project images showcasing how carefully planned water tank placement can blend seamlessly into a new home. These are often shared with clients during the design phase to help them visualise what’s possible.
Septic Systems for Rural Coastal Sites
Because Venus Bay also isn’t connected to a mains sewer system, all new homes require an approved septic system. We design with this in mind from the beginning, working closely with council requirements, soil reports, and site layouts to make sure the septic is placed efficiently and discreetly.
Why Build with Coldon Homes in Venus Bay?
- 65 years of local knowledge building in Bass Coast and South Gippsland
- A full in-house team, including draftspeople familiar with council requirements and rural coastal blocks
- Flexibility to adapt design and service placement to suit your land
- Deep experience with tank, septic and BMP compliant design
- A practical yet design-led approach to ensure your home looks good and works perfectly
Building in Venus Bay comes with a few extra considerations, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. With our long history of building in this region, and our commitment to getting every detail right, we’ll help you create a home that fits the landscape and enhances your lifestyle.
If you’re planning to build in Venus Bay (or are still hunting for the perfect block), our team is here to help you get started.
Contact our team today.
View our display home locations here and our entire selection of home designs here.