THE board of inquiry into the McCrae landslide began its local consultations and made its first site visit on 9 April, with the chair of the inquiry, Renée Enbom KC, visiting the landslide site to understand first-hand the impacts of the event. The inquiry team also met with affected McCrae residents in attendance to hear their stories, gather relevant knowledge, and provide them with information about how to contribute to the inquiry.
“Many residents affected have suffered significant impacts from the landslide, I want to acknowledge how challenging this has been on the McCrae community, and particularly those residents who have been displaced from their homes,” said Enbom. “An important element of the inquiry’s work is to listen to the residents of McCrae, understand their personal experiences and gather relevant information that can help our investigation,” she said.
In March 2025 the Victorian Government tasked the Chair of the Inquiry with:
- Determining the cause of the McCrae Landslide.
- Determining the adequacy of measures taken to prevent and minimise landslides and landslips in the McCrae area.
- Identifying measures for prevention and mitigation of the risk of similar landslide events occurring in future in the McCrae area.
Placed outside the scope of the board of inquiry are the response, with “actions taken since the McCrae landslide” generally excluded. This would put beyond the scope of the inquiry the response by the Mornington Peninsula Shire, the emergency response, relief and recovery activities. Also outside the scope of the inquiry will be insurance arrangements of affected parties.
The gazette detailed that the board of inquiry must provide any findings and recommendations to the Governor “as soon as possible, and not later than 18 June 2025”. To facilitate the findings, the board of inquiry is “authorised to incur expenses and financial obligations… up to $3.13m”. The inquiry’s findings and recommendations will identify any measures to prevent or mitigate risk of similar events occurring in the future in McCrae. Public hearing dates for the inquiry will be announced later this month.
In the meantime, the inquiry is seeking submissions from the public to help inform the work of the Inquiry. Community members, organisations, agencies and government bodies with relevant responsibilities are encouraged to share any relevant information they have with the inquiry. Written submissions are welcome on any issues covered by the inquiry’s terms of reference. Enbom said “I encourage affected community members to make a written submission to the inquiry to help us to understand the full context of what has happened,” she said.
Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh told The News at the time of the inquiry’s announcement he was generally pleased with the board of inquiry and would be happy to partake or have the Mornington Peninsula Shire as an organisation respond. “I just hope this inquiry is genuinely aimed at uncovering the real causes and isn’t merely a witch-hunt,” Marsh said.
“When Nick Staikos asserts that ‘residents in McCrae have been let down,’ we require clarity on who is accountable, especially since the cause of the landslide remains unidentified. The inquiry must steer clear of any predetermined outcomes.” “It is vital for the board of inquiry to find the right balance, especially given the tight timeframe of less than three months [at the time of the inquiry’s announcement] to present their findings. They need to thoroughly uncover the facts without unnecessarily impeding ongoing recovery efforts.” “What I mean is that we can’t afford to divert shire resources from critical tasks and ongoing investigations to focus on compiling responses for the inquiry.” “The $3.14 million allocated for the board of inquiry is substantial, especially when affected residents remain displaced, continue to experience financial hardship, and have yet to receive any direct financial assistance from the state government.”
At their 8 April meeting, Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors approved a three per cent rate increase amid “unprecedented pressures” including a newly estimated $8m to deal with the McCrae landslide recovery. While the slated rate increase would raise an extra $50 per household on average, Marsh said at least $75 from every household would be needed to help pay for the 14 January landslide event.
Those making a submission can opt for their submission to be treated as public, anonymous or confidential. Submissions can be made via www.mccraeinquiry.vic.gov.au/share-your-experiences by 30 April 2025.
First published in the Mornington News – 22 April 2025
