What will the Yarra Ranges’ new landslide management plans mean for you?

Public consultation will run from Thursday August 21 to Friday October 3.

Yarra Ranges Council is welcoming community feedback on proposed updates to the Erosion Management Overlay (EMO) mapping in its Planning Scheme.

The consultation period will run from Thursday August 21 to Friday October 3.

What will the proposed changes involve?

If your property is moved into the EMO, it means any development or earthworks on your property would require you to receive a Geotechnical Assessment as part of your planning permit application to assess the safety of the land before you start.

In addition, property owners are advised to reach out to their insurance provider to check their coverage, as most home insurance policies exclude landslide, unless it is triggered by a storm.

The proposed changes include:

  • 937 properties proposed for removal from the EMO;

  • 3,259 newly identified properties added to Schedule 1 (landslip hazard);

  • 290 properties added to Schedule 2 (debris flow hazard), plus 209 already included in the EMO; and

  • 202 properties included in both Schedules.

This will result in the total number of properties within the EMO increasing to 13,724 - a net increase of 2,365.

How can you have your say?

Residents impacted by the proposed changes will receive a letter with further details about how to make a submission.

The “exhibition” phase will form one part of shaping the overlay reform, which will alos include consideration of submissions by an independent Planning Panel (if required) and final approval by the Planning Minister.

The council will also hold information sessions during and outside office hours across the municipality, including in-person and online sessions with a geotechnical expert and bookable drop-in sessions with council planners.

The updated overlay is the result of extensive work involving the use of using advanced LIDAR technology and updated geotechnical assessments.

This work was partially funded by $300,000 in grant funding under National Emergency Management Australia’s Preparing Australian Communities program.

The updated mapping has identified 1,183 landslides across the municipality since records began.

Yarra Ranges mayor Jim Child said the review of the overlay would “reflect the latest science and technology, helping us manage landslip risks more effectively”.

“The EMO only applies to new development, earthworks, subdivisions or extensions or re-building a home,” he said.

“It’s about making sure future development on your property is safe and sustainable for you and your neighbours.”

To have your say, visit the Shaping Yarra Ranges website.

Otherwise, the council will be accepting submissions sent via email to [email protected] (with C225 in the subject line), or in the post to Design and Place, Yarra Ranges Council, PO Box 150, Lilydale, 3140 (quote Amendment C225).

All submissions will be considered and summarised in a report to the council.

Photo Credit: Matt Withers