Reduction: Reduce the impacts of landslides

This page provides landslide risk reduction messages.

Some areas are at a higher risk of landslides – including areas with existing old landslides, steep slopes, drainage channels on steep slopes, stream and riverbanks, or coastal cliffs.

• The best option is not to build or develop on unstable or hazardous/higher risk sites. Seek expert advice from a chartered professional geotechnical engineer if you are planning on excavating or building on steep slopes or believe the site may be affected by landslides. Council Land Use Planning plays an important part in this.
• Be aware that landslides on another property could affect you – for example, if you are in the path of a landslide runout.
• Find out from your council if they have information on landslide hazard and risk, if there have been landslides in your area before, and where they might occur again.
• Areas that are prone to landslide often include existing (old) landslides, steep slopes, streams or riverbanks or coastal cliffs.
• If you have a slope on your property, check drains are clear and adequate, and that retaining walls are in good condition.
• Learn the warning signs for unstable ground:
  • Small slips, and rockfalls.
  • Subsidence at the bottom of slopes.
  • Doors and window frames that start to stick, or gaps developing around them.
  • Outside fixtures like steps, decks and verandahs moving or tilting away from your house.
  • New cracks or bulges on the ground, road or footpath.
  • Trees, retaining walls or fences that start to tilt.
• Be alert when driving, especially where there are embankments along roadsides. Watch the road for collapses, mud and fallen rocks.
• Review your insurance regularly.