Changes to the Mornington Peninsula Erosion Management Overlay 2025: EMO7 and Landslip Risk Assessments
The Mornington Peninsula is undergoing significant changes following the recent landslide event in McCrae in January 2025. In response, the Mornington Peninsula Shire has just approved the introduction of an interim Erosion Management Overlay (EMO7), affecting approximately 33,000 properties across the region. These changes also highlight the increasing demand for trusted geotechnical services to help property owners navigate new planning obligations.
What is EMO7?
EMO7 is specifically targeting 27,000 residential properties from Mount Eliza to Portsea, identified as highly susceptible to landslides based on mapping conducted by Cardno Lane Piper in 2012. Once the proposed overlay is approved by the state government, property owners within these zones will be required to provide further detailed geotechnical information about their sites and the impact for any new proposed works that trigger the EMO. This may include the need to undertake a landslip risk assessment to demonstrate how any proposed works address landslide risks and ensure land stability over the design life.
These changes will increase the number of properties subject to planning applications, making it crucial for homeowners and developers to understand the new requirements.
Geotechnical Assessments and Landslip Risk assessments are generally not a common requirement for most planning applications, and hence, many consultants are not familiar with the requirements or process. At Southern Geotechnical, we have a legacy spanning nearly 40 years servicing Bayside Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, including soil testing Melbourne, and we are available to discuss your site, the EMO requirements generally and how best to proceed.
What’s Involved in a Landslip Risk Assessment
This in-depth risk assessment brings together all relevant information from desktop review, site investigation, deep drilling and special in-situ testing, in addition to recommendations to reduce risk and ensure your project complies with mandatory construction and planning requirements. This can include recommendations for mitigative actions such as enhancing site drainage, stabilising the soil, or vegetation, and retaining structures. This process forms an essential component of comprehensive geotechnical services under the revised EMO requirements.
The EMO requires all investigations and reporting to be completed by highly competent specialists with a demonstrated level of experience specifically in landslip and slope stability assessments. The final report is designed to support council requirements and complement your planning permit submission.
At Southern Geotechnical, our landslip assessments follow a thorough process, in accordance with the AGS 2007 guidelines and the relevant EMO schedule:
- Desktop Review
We start by examining local geology, slope, council-provided mapping data and previous local investigations undertaken. In the Mornington Peninsula, there is scarcely a street we have not completed an investigation on at some point in time. - Geotechnical Assessment
This encompasses the field-based proportion of the investigation. We mobilise to site with specialist drilling rigs and our qualified Engineering Geologists or Geotechnical Engineers to complete a thorough assessment of the site and surrounding areas. We are required to identify any potential hazards onsite or on adjoining sites where they may impact the subject site. his level of investigation aligns with the standards expected of leading geotech engineering Melbourne experts. - Landslip Risk Assessment
If requested by council or if credible hazards are identified the risks to life and property are required to be assessed and a risk level will be calculated. For risks onsite that don’t meet the prescribed ACCEPTABLE or TOLERABLE risk levels set by the EMO we will work to formulate and detail comprehensive mitigation measures and appropriate engineering responses to bring the RISK to the required level. Our experience is invaluable in determining reasonable and practical solutions to potential risks whilst maintaining compliance and approval. - Detailed Reporting
We prepare a comprehensive report outlining stability findings and mitigation recommendations. This report is then accompanied by a signed FORM A: Geotechnical Declaration and Verification. Generally, only Engineering Geologists or Geotechnical Engineers who have obtained RPGeo, CPEng or CPGeo with respect to their expertise in landslip and slope stability are qualified to sign off these declarations. - Peer Review
Mornington Peninsula sometimes require your report to be peer reviewed – meaning your report will need to be reviewed and assessed by another landslip or slope stability specialist. Only reports that stand up to an external critique are acceptable to council. In some instances, further investigation, reporting or both may be recommended and in turn required. In the event the report has not been completed to a standard acceptable to the reviewer or council, you may need to engage an alternative consultant who has the requisite knowledge and experience to prepare an acceptable report. Many clients trust Southern Geotechnical for our excellent track record and experience. Getting it right the first time is invaluable when considering costly delays or refused permits.
What Should You Do Next?
The interim EMO will come into effect without public submissions and won’t be formally exhibited before approval. Community consultation will take place at a later point before the overlay is approved into planning law. If your property is affected, the Council will be advising you of the changes as they occur and are implemented.
The first port of call is the Mornington Peninsula Council planning department. Generally, they will be advising any applicants of planning permits as they arise.
Council Requirements Vary
Each local government has its own rules and requirements for managing EMOs and landslip risks. Different EMOs require different investigation requirements and even varying acceptable risk criteria.
If you are located outside of Morning Peninsula but have an EMO and would like advice or assistance with an assessment. The team at Southern Geotechnical has experience in completing assessments in most areas where the overlays exist. Other localities where EMO planning triggers are common are Yarra Ranges Council, Merri-Bek, Colac Otway and Strathbogie/Alpine areas.
We’re here to help.
Southern Geotech – Experience you Build On.
Contact us today for a chat or an obligation-free quote at (03) 9551 0308.
