Mornington Peninsula Shire plans to buy land in McCrae to support landslip mitigation and site remediation works.
However, Council has not revealed which land it wants to buy, how much it could cost or who will pay for it.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire issued a formal public notice confirming the planned acquisition.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council gives notice that it intends to acquire land in McCrae to facilitate appropriate landslip mitigation and site remediation works.
The notice remains open until 5pm on Thursday, 23 July.
Key details remain unclear
Council has not said whether it plans to buy one property or several parcels of land.
It has also not confirmed whether the owner has agreed to sell, whether compulsory acquisition remains an option or how much the purchase and works could cost.
Without outside funding, ratepayers may have to cover some or all of the bill.
The Shire has not said whether South East Water or the Victorian Government will contribute.
Purchase follows major landslide
The proposed purchase follows the McCrae landslide on 14 January 2025, which destroyed a home, damaged nearby properties and forced residents to evacuate.
A Board of Inquiry later found that water from a burst South East Water main caused the January 2025 landslides.
The inquiry recommended mediation between the Shire, South East Water and affected landowners to agree on mitigation and remediation works.
Earlier this year, the Shire and South East Water said they had reached agreements with some residents, allowing critical works to move forward.
Council has not confirmed whether the proposed land purchase forms part of those agreements.
STPL News seeks answers
STPL News has written to Mornington Peninsula Shire asking:
- which land it intends to acquire
- how much the purchase could cost and how it will fund it
- whether South East Water or the Victorian Government will contribute
We will provide an update if the Shire responds.
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