Proposed Upgrades at Arthurs Seat – Addressing Community Concerns About Landslide and Erosion  

In this update we answer the most common community concerns about landslide and erosion risk, highlighting the careful planning and safety practices guiding the project.

The following is informed by the questions the community has shared via the online suggestion box and comments on social media.

 

Q1: Is Arthurs Seat Eagle a high risk for landslides?

Given Arthurs Seat’s topography and history, this is a valid and important question – and one we’ve taken seriously from the very beginning.

While the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s broad hazard overlay identifies Arthurs Seat as an area of moderate to high landslide susceptibility, this does not reflect site-specific risk.

We commissioned a comprehensive site-specific landslide risk assessment from Intrax Consulting Engineers, a nationally respected geotechnical engineering firm, to address this.

In short, the assessment recognises that, like many natural slopes in the region, some unmitigated conditions could present risk; however, with proper engineering interventions and mitigation strategies, these risks can be dramatically reduced.

No construction will proceed without strict adherence to the expert recommendations provided in the geotechnical assessment.

 

Q2: What were the objectives of the site assessment undertaken by Intrax?

As part of the planning application and the ongoing Request For Information (RFI) process, Arthurs Seat Eagle commissioned Intrax Consulting Engineers to conduct a detailed, site-specific geotechnical risk assessment tailored to the unique characteristics of the site.

The specific objectives of this landslide risk assessment were:

• To assess the geological conditions present at the site.
• Identify landslide hazards that impact the proposed luge track.
• Determine the risk to property and risk to life associated with landslides.
• Assess whether the development presents an acceptable risk, with respect to landslide hazards.
• Provide recommendations to reduce landslide risk (where required and appropriate).

 

Q3: What assessment was undertaken?

In addition to reviewing the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Erosion Management Overlay (EMO), Intrax undertook extensive site-specific investigations to inform their report. The assessment involved:

• On-ground inspections
• Review and analysis of subsurface soil testing
• Geological mapping and analysis
• Review of known local landslide behaviours
• Presentation of conceptual models of land instability relevant to the project.

 

Q4: What did the report conclude?

In line with best-practice safety thresholds and improving the natural slope conditions that would otherwise be left unmanaged, the report concluded that with various mitigation strategies in place, the risk level for property is reduced to Very Low to Low and for people is below the typically tolerable threshold.,

 

Q5: What measures have been identified to mitigate the risk of landslide or erosion?

We understand that Arthurs Seat’s steep terrain and environmental significance require the highest standard of care, so we will implement all recommended mitigation measures from the Intrax report. The recommendations contained within the report include:

• Appropriate Track Alignment: The luge track avoids interaction with the existing backscarp.
• Foundation Design: Track foundations laid deep into residual soil or weathered granite to ensure stability.
• Adapted Footings: Designed to accommodate soil creep movements to prevent misalignment.
• Erosion Protection: Includes geotextile mats, revegetation, and controlled drainage.
• Boulder Stability Management: Boulders at risk of instability will be removed, stabilised, or monitored.
• Regular Inspections: Ongoing track walkovers to detect early signs of instability.
• Revegetation: Planting deep-rooted species to stabilise slopes and reduce erosion.

 

Q6: Which of these mitigation measures have already been implemented?

Throughout the process with Intrax – and ongoing discussions with community groups – it became apparent that the initial location envisioned for the luge track needed re-evaluation.

The proposed luge track alignment was carefully selected based on empirical evidence to avoid historic landslide scars, drainage paths, and sensitive ecological areas.

Further, the layout prioritises minimising earthworks and maintaining natural contours, reducing disturbance and maintaining slope integrity. The Gondola corridor also already contains erosion management controls that were put in place when the gondola was constructed. There was also deliberately planted vegetation, coir logs / matting etc. for this purpose.

 

Q7: How will the proposed construction of additional on-site attractions impact slope stability?

The project minimises soil disturbance by utilising existing cleared access tracks and implementing low-impact construction techniques and while initial construction could disturb soil, the luge track may improve stability in some areas by adding structured reinforcement.

In fact, we’re designing everything to minimise disturbance and, in some cases, enhance slope stability.

For example:
The luge track will mostly follow already-cleared access paths.

• Construction will use low-impact methods, avoiding unnecessary ground disturbance.
• Materials and structures will work with – not against – the natural terrain.

We want to be very clear: these upgrades are not about mass tourism or overdevelopment. They’re about improving the visitor experience responsibly, while respecting the land and ensuring its long-term health and stability.

 

Q8: How will Arthurs Seat Eagle ensure the safety of visitors and the community ongoingly?

Ongoing visitor, staff and community safety is our top priority. Ongoing risk management strategies include:

• Implementation of all recommended mitigation measures.
• Regular geotechnical inspections and track walks by qualified engineers.
• Continued maintenance of erosion controls and revegetated areas.
• A commitment to long-term monitoring, not just a “set and forget” approach.
• Community transparency – if there’s a concern, we’ll address it.

The goal is to ensure that this attraction remains safe and resilient for many years to come.

We appreciate your ongoing interest and questions while we explore the opportunity to enhance Arthur Seat for future generations. Safety is our top priority, and we will continue to keep you updated and encourage open dialogue as we move forward.