McCrae landslide
In January 2025, the McCrae community experienced a significant landslide event, the landslide caused extensive damage to private property, leading to evacuations and road closures. Following the event, the Victorian Government established an independent Board of Inquiry to examine the causes of the landslide, the circumstances leading up to it, and opportunities to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
Site investigations by geotechnical engineers are ongoing and we continue to gather data to inform next steps and work towards returning normalcy to the area.
Safety remains our top priority as we focus on getting people back in their homes as quickly and safely as possible.
Latest update - 30 September 2026
Council determines pathway to return McCrae residents to their homes
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has approved the installation of two engineered protective barriers as part of efforts to help three McCrae households return home sooner.
The barriers will be installed on Council-owned land at Penny Lane, McCrae to address risks associated with the 2022 and 2025 landslides.
After assessing options, Council determined the best approach was to install two engineered barriers using ballasted shipping containers. The barriers can be installed quickly, are designed to provide a robust safety measure and can be painted or screened. These barriers are commonly used around the world to address landslide risks.
Mayor Stephen Batty said Council's priority was to get affected residents safely back into their homes as soon as possible.
“This approach mitigates landslide risks, can be delivered quickly and is a responsible use of ratepayer funds providing a robust safety response. Although the Shire does not accept responsibility for either landslide, we are committed to helping our residents to return home and to ensure the hillside is stabilised.
“We understand this has been an extraordinarily difficult and frustrating period for affected residents.
“Our focus is simple - we want these residents back in their homes as soon as it's safe to do so,” Cr Batty said.
The Shire will move quickly to progress the necessary design, approvals and construction arrangements to begin works on the barrier walls and see them completed as soon as possible.
Any return home will remain subject to the required engineering, safety and regulatory assessments, including the variation or removal of existing emergency orders.
Property owners will also be responsible for any remaining works required on their private property to enable the emergency order to be lifted for them to return home.
The ballasted shipping container walls can be removed once the private property owners have completed stabilisation works on the hillside above the barriers. With the hillside stabilised satisfactorily there will be no further need for barrier walls.
The Shire will continue communicating directly with affected residents as the works progress.
Board of Inquiry
The Board of Inquiry concluded with Chair Ms Renée Enbom KC delivering the final report to the Governor of Victoria on Tuesday 9 September 2025. The report outlines the Board’s findings and recommendations regarding the causes of the McCrae landslide, the actions of relevant agencies and stakeholders, and measures to improve risk management and community safety into the future.
For more information on the Board of Inquiry, see: Board of Inquiry into the McCrae landslide | McCrae Landslide Inquiry.
Council's Ongoing Response
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council acknowledges the findings of the Board of Inquiry and remains committed to supporting affected residents and implementing actions that contribute to the long-term recovery of the McCrae community. Council continues to carefully consider the report's recommendations and work with government agencies and technical experts to ensure an informed and coordinated approach moving forward.
Ongoing collaboration
The Shire will continue to work in partnership with SEW and the Victorian Government to ensure a coordinated and compassionate response to the Inquiry’s recommendations. We remain committed to supporting the McCrae community and implementing measures to reduce future landslide risks.
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