The Mornington Peninsula has several Erosion Management Overlay (EMO) schedules. Identifying the one affecting your property is the first step in understanding the relevant landslip risk assessment requirements. EMO7 uses the term Landslide Risk Assessment. This guide focuses on the differences between schedules and the current position of interim EMO7.
View our Landslip Risk Assessment serviceThe Peninsula is not one ground type
Coastal slopes, creek valleys and the inland hills present different settings for development. EMO7’s statement of risk recognises that landslide susceptibility reflects underlying geology, slope gradient and direction, together with the record of earlier landslides.
That regional information does not establish the ground conditions or level of risk at a particular building location. Drainage, vegetation, earthworks and the position of existing and proposed development also matter.
Find the applicable EMO schedule
The planning scheme contains EMO1 to EMO6 as well as interim EMO7. Council’s explanatory material identifies existing controls in parts of the hinterland, local creek corridors and the Western Port coastline. The applicable schedule is determined by the planning map, not simply by the suburb or proximity to the coast.
In VicPlan, search the address and generate a planning property report. Open the linked schedule and compare the mapped coverage with a plan showing the building, access, retaining walls and earthworks. Where Council’s viewer shows both existing and proposed layers, check which layer is selected.
What current EMO7 says about assessment
EMO7’s application requirements include a Landslide Risk Assessment, a Geotechnical Declaration and Verification (Form A), and an independent peer review. The assessment must address the peer-review recommendations.
A Minor Impact declaration (Form D) may replace the Landslide Risk Assessment where both the geotechnical practitioner and Council consider the proposed buildings and works minor and of minimal or no geotechnical risk. Council may also waive or vary a requirement it considers irrelevant to the application.
These provisions do not give an applicant an automatic choice of a shorter report. The permit trigger, any qualified exemption and the application requirements need to be considered for the actual proposal.
Keep current EMO7 separate from C314
At the review date, Council described Amendment C314morn as a proposed update to EMO7. Its proposed mapping and assessment changes should not be treated as existing exemptions or entitlements.
The operative EMO7 reviewed on 27 September 2026 states that its requirements cease to have effect after 6 January 2027. This is the current sunset provision, not a prediction that it will remain unchanged. Council’s longer programme of review does not itself extend the legal duration of the overlay. Recheck the live scheme before relying on the controls or expiry date.
Frequently asked questions
Is the proposed EMO7 map already the map used for applications?
A proposed map should not be substituted for the operative planning map. Check the current scheme and Council’s amendment information, including whether an amendment has been approved and brought into effect.
What if my property is covered by another EMO schedule?
Read that schedule’s requirements. The EMO7 summary on this page should not be applied automatically to EMO1–EMO6, which have their own provisions.
Does a small extension automatically qualify for Form D?
No. Under current EMO7, the minor-impact pathway depends on both the practitioner’s and Council’s opinion of the proposed buildings and works and their geotechnical risk. Size alone does not establish eligibility.
Does being outside the EMO mean there is no landslide hazard?
No. State planning guidance explains that some susceptible land is outside mapped EMO areas. An absence of overlay coverage is not a site-specific finding about ground stability.
Official resources
Mornington Peninsula current EMO7
Operative schedule setting out the EMO7 assessment, application and review provisions.
View Mornington Peninsula current EMO7Council’s explanation of C312 and EMO7
Council background information on the introduction of EMO7 through Amendment C312.
View Council’s explanation of C312 and EMO7Proposed C314 update to EMO7
Council information about the proposed update to EMO7 through Amendment C314.
View Proposed C314 update to EMO7VicPlan and planning property reports
Victorian Government mapping and guidance for checking the planning controls that apply to a property.
View VicPlan and planning property reportsState guidance on erosion and landslide risk
Victorian Government planning guidance on erosion and landslide risk.
View State guidance on erosion and landslide riskBoundary: © State of Victoria (Department of Transport and Planning), Vicmap Admin. CC BY 4.0. Simplified for display. Catalogue updated 5 September 2026; retrieved 12 September 2026.
Planning information checked: 27 September 2026.
Yarra Geotechnics is an independent consultancy and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mornington Peninsula Shire. This guide provides general information. The applicable planning scheme and Council determine application requirements.
Planning a project on the Mornington Peninsula?
Send the property address, available plans and any Council correspondence with your enquiry.
Council LRA guides
We provide landslip risk assessments across all Victorian council areas where Erosion Management Overlays (EMOs) apply.