McCrae landslide
A significant landslide occurred at McCrae on Tuesday, 14 January 2025. The landslide has affected multiple properties, leading to evacuations and road closures. An exclusion zone has been set up with temporary fencing around the affected area.
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.
Board of Inquiry
The Board of Inquiry has concluded with Chair, Ms Renée Enbom KC, delivering the final report to the Governor of Victoria on Tuesday 9 September 2025.
For more information on the Board of Inquiry, see: Board of Inquiry into the McCrae landslide | McCrae Landslide Inquiry.
Update 23 October 2025
Mornington Peninsula Shire response to McCrae Landslide Board of Inquiry
Mornington Peninsula Shire acknowledges the release of the final report from the McCrae Board of Inquiry, chaired by Renée Enbom KC. We thank the Chair and her team for their thorough investigation into the landslide that occurred on 5 January 2025, which caused significant damage and distress to the McCrae community.
The Inquiry’s findings confirm that water from a burst water main owned by South East Water (SEW) caused the landslide. The Shire generally accepts the findings and is actively progressing several of the recommendations.
Council action and commitment
The Shire supports recommendations in full – 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 27, 28
The Shire supports recommendations in principle – 3, 5
Key actions already underway include:
- Recommendation 27 & 28: The Interim Erosion Management Overlay was adopted by Council at its meeting on 14 October 2025. This overlay applies to high-priority, high-risk landslide susceptibility areas in the Shire.
- Recommendation 2: The Shire is willing to participate in the mediation process and looks forward to engaging in detailed discussions.
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.
Previous updates
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in McCrae?
A significant landslide occurred at McCrae on Tuesday, 14 January 2025. The landslide has affected multiple properties, leading to evacuations and road closures.
An exclusion zone has been set up with temporary fencing around the affected area.
What is the current situation at the site?
The Shire has taken over responsibility for the exclusion zone.
Site investigations are continuing, with geotechnical engineers installing sensitive ground monitoring equipment and taking samples of soil and water for further analysis. Daily inspections are being conducted and inform the risk assessment for each property.
Safety remains our top priority as we continue gathering data to inform next steps and work towards returning normalcy to the area.
What caused the landslide?
We do not yet know the cause of the landslide. Investigations by geotechnical engineers are ongoing.
How many homes have been evacuated/deemed unsafe?
A total of 19 properties were originally evacuated. 11 properties have had emergency orders lifted and those residents are allowed to safely move back into their homes.
When will residents be able to return to their homes?
We are working with the geotechnical engineers to further understand and assess conditions at the remaining eight properties.
As conditions vary across the site, we are developing tailored plans for each property to map out steps required to return safely to these homes.
Our commitment remains focussed on getting people back into their homes as quickly and safely as possible.
Is there any connection between the 2022 landslide and the 2025 landslide?
Until investigations into the cause of the current landslide are complete, it is too early to tell whether there is any connection with the 2022 incident.
What do you have in place to support displaced residents?
We are working directly with affected residents and property owners to support them through the recovery process. Many of the evacuated homes were not permanently occupied. Residents whose primary home has been evacuated have been able to find alternative accommodation.
We are holding regular community meetings for those directly affected to answer any questions they may have. We are sending out regular resident updates via email and talking directly with affected residents.
We understand stressful and traumatic events can affect people’s mental and physical health in different ways. We have provided information to affected residents on psychosocial support services and other forms of assistance that are available both locally and online.
How likely are further landslides in the evacuated area?
The risk of further landslides is unknown. The exclusion zone is in place and access is restricted.
Community safety is our priority and we urge everyone to stay away from the area.
What is the Board of Inquiry?
On 4 February 2025, the Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Local Government Minister Nick Staikos announced that the Victorian Government would be establishing a Board of Inquiry to investigate the landslide that occurred in McCrae on 14 January.
The Board of Inquiry was to inquire into, report on and make any recommendations considered appropriate concerning the causes of the landslide, the adequacy of measures taken to prevent and minimise landslides in the area and the measures to be undertaken to prevent or mitigate the risk of similar landslide events in the future. The Inquiry examined the actions and decisions of responsible authorities and reviewed the regulatory framework governing landslide management in Victoria.
The Inquiry delivered its final report to the Governor on 9 September 2025. For more information, including how to make a submission to the Inquiry, visit: Board of Inquiry into the McCrae landslide | McCrae Landslide Inquiry.
How can I stay updated on the situation?
Monitor this webpage, it will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.
Monitor the Shire’s Facebook page for updates.
If you have immediate concerns, please call the Mornington Peninsula Shire at 1300 850 600 or email customerservice@mornpen.vic.gov.au.