McCrae, Mornington Peninsula – The fallout from the shock landslide on Penny Lane is likely to worsen, with emergency services preparing for more slope movement as fears of additional collapses grow.
State Emergency Service (SES) crews remain on high alert after the landslide destroyed one house and left three others severely damaged. Authorities have now deemed 11 properties uninhabitable, forcing seven families to evacuate.
SES Controller Mark Daw confirmed that Point Nepean Road will remain closed for at least a week while geotechnical engineers attempt to stabilise the site. He urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid the area, warning that conditions remain precarious.
Shire Officer Injured
A council worker injured during the landslide remains in hospital in stable condition. The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has referred the incident to WorkSafe.
Mayor Anthony Marsh expressed his support for those affected, stating,
“Our priority is to work with emergency services to ensure the safety of residents and the broader community.”
Underlying Causes and Longstanding Concerns
Geotechnical specialists cite a combination of rain, underground water seepage, and weathered soil as key factors contributing to the instability of the old sea escarpment. SITE Geotechnical, an engineering firm that inspected a local home before Christmas due to signs of “cracking and movement,” noted that landslide issues are widespread on the Mornington Peninsula.
Residents have raised concerns about water drainage and soil stability in the area for years. Some fear that insufficient action on these warnings may have contributed to the current crisis.
Ongoing Risk and Next Steps
Emergency services, engineers, and local officials are closely monitoring the site. Authorities warn that further land slips remain possible, particularly if adverse weather persists. Investigations into the precise causes and potential mitigation measures continue.
The community is urged to stay away from the affected area and report any signs of shifting ground or new cracks.
Note: parts of this story have been provided to STPL News from RPP FM and repurposed with permission.
Subscribe to STPL News
For more stories on local events and the vibrant communities around the Mornington Peninsula, stay tuned to Somerville Times and Peninsula Local – STPL NEWS by subscribing to our free E-News.
