Under Australian and international law:

1. Sewage Discharge

• It is illegal to discharge untreated sewage into:
  • Marinas
  • Inland waters
  • Aquatic reserves or near coral reefs
  • Within 1 nautical mile from land
• Treated sewage (from a marine sanitation device or treatment system) can sometimes be discharged at least 1 nm from land (but this depends on the treatment level and state laws).
• Boats with onboard toilets must have:
  • A holding tank, or
  • A Type 1, 2, or 3 marine sanitation system.

2. Garbage/Rubbish Disposal

• No garbage, plastics, or food waste can be dumped overboard in Australian waters.
• Under MARPOL:
  • Plastics: Absolutely prohibited.
  • Food waste: Only allowed >3 nautical miles from land if ground to small pieces (<25 mm).
  • Other rubbish (e.g. packaging, glass, metal): Only allowed >12 nm from land, and only if not harmful to marine life.

3. Oil, Fuel & Bilge Water

• Discharging oil, oily water, fuel, or lubricants into the water is illegal.
• All vessels must manage bilge water and can only discharge if oil content is less than 15 ppm, using an approved oily water separator.

📍 STATE-SPECIFIC LAWS

Here’s a summary for key boating states:

🟦 Queensland (Maritime Safety QLD / QLD EPA)

• Strict “No Discharge Zones” in the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays, Moreton Bay, etc.
• Holding tanks required for vessels with toilets operating in these areas.
• Heavy penalties apply for illegal discharge (fines can exceed $20,000+).

Link: Queensland Sewage Discharge Laws

🟩 New South Wales (Transport for NSW / EPA NSW)

• All sewage must be retained or treated.
• Discharge is banned within 1 nm of land or in enclosed waters.
• No garbage is to be discharged in NSW waters.

Link: Sewage Discharge from Vessels - NSW

🟥 Victoria (EPA VIC / Maritime Safety VIC)

• Discharge of sewage, litter, or waste from boats is prohibited in inland and coastal waters.
• Must use pump-out facilities or onshore disposal stations.

🟨 Western Australia

• Discharge of sewage is illegal in many areas.
• Vessels must be fitted with approved sewage treatment or holding systems.
• Pump-out stations are available in key locations.

🛑 PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

• Individuals: Up to $10,000–$250,000 fines
• Businesses/Operators: Up to millions for serious environmental breaches.
• Criminal charges for deliberate pollution or repeat offences.

✅ BEST PRACTICE FOR BOAT OPERATORS

• Always store sewage in a holding tank for pump-out at an approved facility.
• Never throw rubbish overboard — keep waste onboard for proper disposal.
• Check your local rules before operating in protected or sensitive marine environments.