Thousands of Mornington Peninsula properties will be removed from the interim Erosion Management Overlay (EMO7), following Victorian Government approval of Planning Scheme Amendment C314morn.
The changes reduce the number of properties covered by the overlay from about 33,000 to 6,000, ensuring planning controls are more closely targeted to areas of landslide susceptibility.
The amendment will also make planning requirements simpler for landowners undertaking minor buildings and works that pose minimal landslide risk.
The Victorian Minister for Planning first introduced the EMO7 across parts of the Mornington Peninsula in January 2026 via Amendment C312morn, following urgent recommendations from the McCrae landslide Board of Inquiry.
The purpose of EMO7 is to help ensure new development is safe from landslides by addressing risks through the planning permit process.
The revised EMO7 follows a thorough review of existing landslide susceptibility mapping by geotechnical experts, using improved data and technology to better identify areas prone to landslide.
The revised overlay will apply to about 4,200 residential and 1,800 non-residential properties, covering about five per cent of the Peninsula's total land area. About 40 per cent of the land within the updated overlay is public land.
Mayor Stephen Batty said the changes delivered a fairer and more targeted approach while continuing to manage landslide risk responsibly.
"Council understands the frustration experienced by many property owners when the interim overlay was initially introduced earlier this year, and we're pleased the updated mapping will significantly reduce the number of properties affected," Cr Batty said.
"We acted quickly to review the mapping, working with geotechnical experts to use better data and technology to more accurately identify areas of landslide susceptibility."
While most properties will be removed from the interim overlay, a small number will be added. Many of these are adjacent to slopes, where the refined mapping introduces a buffer zone to help manage the potential for new development to increase landslide risk.
Mayor Batty said the updated overlay would remain an interim measure while Council prepares a comprehensive new Shire-wide landslide susceptibility study to develop and apply permanent controls to replace the EMO7. This will take about 2-4 years to complete, including community consultation and a full planning scheme amendment process.
"While an Erosion Management Overlay would not have prevented the McCrae landslide, Council accepted the Minister's decision to urgently implement the Board of Inquiry's recommendation," Cr Batty said.
"This amendment is an important step in improving the way landslide susceptibility is identified and managed while longer-term work continues."
