Have your say: Help shape our Community Disaster Resilience Plan
Published on 07 April 2025
We are inviting all community members to contribute their ideas, insights and experiences to help shape a Community Disaster Resilience Plan. This Plan will identify local strengths, needs, and priorities when it comes to preparing for emergencies and disasters on the Mornington Peninsula.
Building community resilience includes looking at actions that can be taken to prevent or reduce the impact of a disaster, to plan and prepare for when an extreme event or hazard occurs and have systems in place to support emergency response and recovery.
In times of crisis, our strength lies in how we come together. A well-prepared community is a resilient one. By working together now, we are better equipped for future disasters and emergencies.
The Community Disaster Resilience Plan will guide how we support the community to prepare for:
- Clear communication during emergencies
- Plan and prioritise emergency preparedness activities
- Assess the impact of our actions and improve future responses.
The Plan will also focus on reducing disaster risk and strengthening protective factors by:
- Leading change and coordinating preparedness through strong networks and partnerships
- Educating and engaging our community about disaster readiness
- Empowering individuals and communities to take action and build local resilience.
An example of what we’re currently doing to help build community preparedness is our work with local resilience, relief and recovery networks in high fire danger areas including Red Hill, Main Ridge and Shoreham. Through facilitating and attending meetings, running emergency scenarios, co-designing resources, and providing Climate Change grants for neighbourhood gatherings, we’re helping build local resilience.
Additionally, with funding from the State Government, we have installed energy backup systems including solar, battery, and generator setups at Red Hill Pavilion, Flinders Golf Club, and Balnarring Pavilion to support emergency relief hubs during crises. This collaborative model can be replicated in other communities to improve disaster readiness.
Council endorsed the development of this plan in May 2024.
How to provide your thoughts:
Community consultation is currently open and closes 28 May. You can participate in multiple ways: through a self-assessment scorecard and online survey, which will help us understand the current levels of community resilience on the Mornington Peninsula, by attending a pop-up event in your local area, or by taking part in or hosting a community gathering.
Online
Go to mornpen.vic.gov.au/disasterplan and complete the self-assessment scorecard and survey online.
In-person
- Hill and Ridge Community Market (Red Hill), 3 May
- Mt Martha Community House, 5 May
- Somerville Community House, 13 May
- Shoreham Market, 18 May
In writing
Printed self-assessment scorecards are available at our Customer Service Centres and Libraries, and participating Community Houses.
You can return them to these locations, or take a photo of your completed scorecard and email it to em@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:
“Emergency planning isn’t just about response — it’s about being ready before disaster strikes. Events like the McCrae landslide and recent storms show why preparation matters.
We need your input to shape a practical, local plan. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or part of a community group — your experience helps us build a safer and more resilient Mornington Peninsula.”