Thursday, 6 February 2025

Adjournment

McCrae landslide

Sam GROTH (Nepean) (17:10): (991) My adjournment tonight is for the Premier, and the action I seek is for the Premier to take immediate action to ensure the site of the McCrae landslide is safe and return residents back to their homes. This is a pressing issue for those residents, and it has recently impacted the community of McCrae. The landside occurred back on 14 January, and not only has this event disrupted the lives of many residents, it has also raised serious concerns regarding safety and environmental stability in our area. I have met with the local affected residents. I have been briefed by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, had site visits with the SES and also spoken to South East Water, and there has also been a number of recent community forums. However, sadly the government to this point has been less than forthcoming.

Council wrote to the minister on 14 January and are yet to receive a response, and additionally the opposition leader and I wrote to the Premier on 21 January and also have received no reply. The landslide, which occurred along the coastal cliffs of McCrae, has caused substantial soil movement resulting in the closure of several roads and the evacuation of almost two dozen homes. It is a frightening incident. It has left families displaced, properties damaged or destroyed and people’s lives in limbo. The coordination between site management and the relevant authorities following the landslide has proven inadequate and is leading to confusion and delays in the response efforts. Communication gaps have hindered the timely dissemination of critical information for residents and emergency services, creating uncertainty for those affected and complicating resource mobilisation. It is essential that we establish clearer protocols and stronger partnerships among all stakeholders to ensure a more effective response in future emergencies.

I personally, though, want to commend the work of the local SES, who have done an incredible job securing the site and doing their best to keep the community safe but also communicate with them as diligently as they possibly can. But I also want to see greater resources for our local volunteers.

As we navigate the aftermath of the landside is it is essential we focus on first of all the immediate recovery of the site but also long-term strategies to prevent further incidents in the future. In light of the recent developments I do welcome the inquiry announced by the Premier, which aims to examine the circumstances surrounding the landslide; however, I must emphasise that while the inquiry is essential, urgent action is needed now. We cannot afford to delay in providing the necessary resources to support those affected by this disaster. Many families are facing significant challenges as they deal with the landslide, and now security cameras have been removed from the site there is a real concern of burglary and looting while the homes sit there empty.

The landside has profoundly affected the community, but it also presents an opportunity for us to enhance our resilience. We must continue to advocate for sustainable practices, infrastructure and improvements that will help protect our coastline and residents. I will continue to support the affected residents of McCrae, but we need to see more from the government in helping them get back into their homes.