Landslides in Tasmania

If you are in an area prone to landslip, heavy rain may cause sudden impact landslides. Landslips can also be slow moving and happen over many months or years.

During a landslide

If a landslide could affect  your property

  • If it looks like a landslide is happening quickly, leave immediately.
  • Alert proper officials if a landslide movement
    • has occurred, or
    • imminent failure is suspected.
  • Alert neighbours as they might also be affected by the landslide, especially if they are down the slope.

After a landslide

  • Stay clear of unstable areas. Instable areas can continue to expand in all directions.
  • Turn off water, gas and electricity.
  • Ensure others are aware of the danger (for example, rock fall onto a road).

If you have been affected by a landslide, expect

  • ongoing movement of the slide,
  • continuing falls or flows of material.

Know your risk

See TasALERT’s Risk Ready tool to see if your property is at risk of

  • landslide or
  • coastal erosion.

Land use planning helps avoid building in areas prone to landslip, but there are some areas where landslip can affect buildings or roadways.

Reduce your landslide risk

  • Learn about the landslide risk in your area – see TasALERT’s RiskReady tool. 
  • Be aware that landslide insurance is not available anywhere in Australia.
  • Comply with land use planning and building regulations about slope stability.
  • Make sure that any construction work does not increase the landslide risk. Organise a landslide risk assessment by a suitably qualified practitioner.
  • Learn how to recognise early signs of a landslide.
    • Structures start to move, such as decks and patios.
    • Doors and windows stick due to distorted jambs and frames.
    • Concrete floors and foundations tilt or crack.
    • Offset fences or retaining walls.
    • Breaks in services, such as water pipes and sewers.
    • Long, continuous cracks (often curved) opening in the ground.
    • Ground dropping or rising.

More information