The Allan Labor Government is working to ensure residents impacted by the McCrae landslide can return to their homes as soon as possible, with the appointment of Dan Star KC as an independent mediator.
Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos today welcomed the appointment, which delivers on the Independent Board of Inquiry's first recommendation.
Mr Star is an Accredited Mediator under the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Standards (AMDRAS), a senior barrister with more than 25 years' experience.
Mr Star will work to engage affected landowners, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and South East Water through a structured process to reach agreement on landslide mitigation and remediation works at and around the site of the McCrae landslide.
These mitigation and remediation works must be completed before residents can return to their homes - that's why the Victorian Government has accepted all 12 recommendations directed to it and acted immediately to establish a robust, structured mediation process.
To help ensure a rapid resolution through mediation, the Government has set a three-month limit for the conclusion of the mediation process, which will begin soon and is expected to finish early next year.
To read the full Government response to the Board of Inquiry into the McCrae Landslide Report, go to: vic.gov.au/victorian-government-response-mccrae-landslide-board-inquiry.
As stated by Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos
"I welcome Dan Star's appointment as mediator and am confident he will guide a fair and respectful mediation process focused on achieving the best possible outcome for the McCrae community."
"We welcome the commitment shown by South East Water and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to engage meaningfully in this process, and call on them to work towards rapid resolution of the issues raised by the inquiry, so residents can return to their homes as soon as possible."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
"The appointment of a mediator is an important step in bringing all parties together and working towards providing residents with certainty and confidence."
