Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan sets up Independent Board of Inquiry to probe McCrae landslide

Jacinta Allan has announced a new independent inquiry to probe a Mornington Peninsula landslide that destroyed a luxury beachside home and left dozens of surrounding properties in limbo.

The Allan government will set up a new independent inquiry to probe a Mornington Peninsula landslide that destroyed one home, threatened multiple others and left a council worker in hospital.

The new probe was the first item on the agenda for Jacinta Allan as state parliament returned on Tuesday, with the Victorian premier pledging to “get to the bottom” of what happened.

An Independent Board of Inquiry will be established to determine the cause of the landslide in McCrae and whether it could have been avoided.

“We all know a few weeks ago there was that landslide that has impacted a number of residents, and I’ve spoken to residents who are concerned and also understandably want some answers,” Ms Allan said.

A council worker was injured a house toppled over in a landslide at McCrae. Picture: ABC News

The house plunge 50m down a cliff. Picture: Diego Fedele

Residents have told government they are hitting legal roadblocks in their search for answers.

A luxury beachside on Penny Lane plunged 50m down a cliff in mid-January in a landslide that has left up to 60 surrounding homes in limbo.

A council worker inspecting the property at the time had to jump to save his life, breaking his legs in the process.

Mornington Peninsula Councillors and other local authorities could be called to give evidence as part of the inquiry, which will have similar powers to a Royal Commission.

A Board of Inquiry is a body appointed by the government and given additional powers to uncover information about a particular topic, including compelling a person to attend, produce documents or give evidence under oath of affirmation.

The final report, which will also include findings and recommendations on how to prevent or mitigate the risk of similar events occurring across Victoria, will be delivered later this year.

The Allan-government’s probe comes on top of three geotechnical reports being managed by Victorian State Emergency Service, South East Water and the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh said the council was given a heads up about the inquiry about an hour before it was announced.

“I welcome the premier’s announcement regarding the inquiry but am concerned the focus isn’t on addressing the immediate issues and helping residents get back in their homes,” he said.

“The council formally wrote to the Minister of Emergency Services and Natural Disaster Recovery (Vicki Ward) on January, 21, we have not received a response to that letter.”

Originally published as Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan sets up Independent Board of Inquiry to probe McCrae landslide